Doddie Weir: Family and firefighters hit the road in a rolling tribute
doddie weir fans and family are taking to the road this spring as mass charity rides and endurance challenges launch to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The movement, built around long-distance cycling events, brings together relatives, former players and volunteer firefighters in multi-day efforts across Britain and Ireland. Riders say they are motivated by personal loss, the need to keep fundraising for MND research, and by the example set by Doddie himself.
Published 9: 00 am ET
Doddie Weir challenge lineup
The major endurance ride will see hundreds of cyclists cover around 750 miles over four days, travelling from the Scottish Borders through England, Wales and Ireland to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Kathy Weir has been training at the family farm and will join an all-female relay team alongside high-profile sporting names. Former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, world-record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont, and former British and Irish Lions centre Gordon D’Arcy are named participants in this year’s challenge.
Kathy Weir said, “It’s taken a while, but it feels like I’m in a good place” as she prepares to “step up and do her bit” for the charity her late husband created. She described how Doddie loved the farm and how family life there has shaped their decision to stay involved with fundraising and awareness work.
Volunteer cyclists and personal motivations
Across the same calendar of events, volunteer on-call firefighter Graham Griffiths will cycle from Melrose to Dublin over four days. Graham, who is also head chef at the Coll Hotel and serves at Coll Community Fire Station, is riding in memory of his uncle Crawford Stevenson, who battled motor neurone disease for about a decade before his death. Graham said, “There will be times where I’ll need to dig deep. At those times I’ll be thinking of my uncle and Doddie Weir, remembering them, and what we’re all doing this for. “
Joe McKay, SFRS Area Commander, is team captain for the firefighter group and pledged operational support for participants: “Graham will have all the support he needs. This is our third Doddie Aid challenge, and we know how tough it can get. ” The firefighter crews have previously helped grow events that combine mass participation with targeted fundraising for MND research.
Farm life, family preparation and what’s next
Kathy has prepared at the family farm with sons Hamish, Angus and Ben, saying the loss after Doddie’s death was “very public” and that recovery has taken time. She recalled the moment Doddie first noticed a weakness while working on the farm, which began the path toward his motor neurone disease diagnosis. The family continues to use the farm as both a place of memory and a training base for upcoming events.
Organisers and named participants expect the multi-day rides to generate renewed donations and attention for medical research into MND. Riders and families involved say they will press on with fundraising pushes and public challenges to sustain progress toward a cure. The movement keeps doddie weir’s public campaign visible as athletes, volunteers and relatives convert grief into fundraising and action.
