THE grandson of a Greenock motor neurone disease victim was picked by former Scottish rugby international Doddie Weir to fire the starting gun at a major charity race.

Doddie, 47, recently diagnosed with MND, was about to set everyone on a 5k fun run and walk at Holyrood Park to raise funds for research into the terminal illness.

But then he spotted four-year-old Cameron Taylor sitting glumly on the grass with his head in his hands because his family had told him the distance was too far for him to run, so he would have to walk.

Cameron’s gran, Evelyn Taylor, said the rugby star walked over to Cameron and asked him if he would like to start the race.

Evelyn said: “It was a really nice gesture by Doddie.

“Cameron was delighted.

“It really cheered him up, and he went on the walk with myself and other members of the family, including his mum, Claire.”

Cameron’s dad, Nicol, ran the race with daughters Jessica and Katelyn, and Evelyn’s brother-in-law, Eddie Sharkey.

Evelyn’s family has so far raised more than £8,000 for MND Scotland in memory of her husband, Tam, by taking part in various fundraising ventures.

Tam, a former marine, passed away last November at the age of 65 due to MND.

Evelyn, 64, of Auchmead Road, who also has a daughter, Karen, said: “Every penny raised for MND is well used for research and other purposes, including helping families with respite breaks to Oban and Anstruther.

“Hopefully there will one day be a cure for MND.”

Evelyn’s fundraising is now also being supported by Inverclyde charity champ, Tommy ‘The Clown’ Armstrong, who presented her with a cheque for £400.

He collected £350 by taking part in the Bute Highland Games 10k and another £50 at the Paisley 10k.

Tommy, 76, said: “I knew Tam, and when I read about him in the Tele recently I decided to start raising money for MND.”