Romantic Rome

29 February 2020

Doddie headbands and a gathering of Scottish rugby fans ahead of the Italy v Scotland match was the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal in the Piazza Novona last weekend.

Calum Sharp and Rachel Morrision have been together for 2 and a half years and are firm rugby fans, as well as great supporters of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, in fact Rachel used to work at Murrayfield and describes Doddie as, "the kindest and loveliest man in the industry, if not Scotland. Like many others, we were incredibly sad to hear about his diagnosis but the work he has done over the past few years is awe inspiring. The Foundation have created such a legacy and put MND on the map. Making people aware of the disease that needs better understanding, more research and more funding for a cure!"

During the weekend they visited the sites of Rome and on the Friday night joined the traditional scrum of Scottish fans in the Piazza Novona. There, they met up with our Doddie Gump champion, Rob Wainwright and co and settled in for the night.

Rachel said: "As we sat down, a kilted man appeared to see his mates behind Calum. He then pulled out some bag pipes and starts playing our favourite song - Highland Cathedral. The song means so much to us and it just brings me back to sitting in the stands at Murrayfield. 

"While the piper starts, the waiter came over to us - Calum seemed panicked for some reason. He quickly ordered us 2 beers and told him to come back later for food order."

"Then Calum stood up -  I was confused. Not sure what he is doing - at this time I was more interested I the piper and videoing him!" 
"Then Calum tapped me on the shoulder, and got down on one knee."

Before they knew it, Rachel and Calum had gathered a massive audience. 

Rachel said: "Calum said the simple phrase, after a pause, “will you marry me”. I was speechless, but I managed to squeeze out a yes! The crowd cheered, pipers continued to play and everyone came up to congratulate us (included Rory Lawson, which was a lovely surprise)."

Rob Wainwright provided a couple of Doddie headbands and congratulated the happy couple.

"I never thought about being proposed to. But if I did, being surrounded by like minded people (rugby fans), drinking beer, bag pipes playing, Calum in a kilt - he just ticked every single box."

"The next day the walk to the stadium just added to an amazing weekend. Seeing everyone come together in support of Doddie, it just touches our hearts. We pretty much closed the streets but the Italians lapped it up."

Well many congratulations from all of us to you both...now, when's the wedding?