In June, I’ll be out on the road again, cycling 555 miles around the Coast of Ireland over 6 days. This is significantly further than I have attempted before, and will be a genuine stretch (on all fronts!)
Why I’m riding…
Last year, my father-in-law passed away just 18 months after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was a strong, active man who lived life fully. Watching this cruel disease take that away from him was devastating. The impact on him, and on all of us who loved him, was heartbreaking.
MND is relentless. It slowly shuts down the body, while the mind remains painfully aware. But here’s what many people don’t know:
MND is not incurable — it’s just underfunded.
That’s why I’m riding. To honour my father-in-law. To support the incredible progress being made in research, care, and treatment. And to help push us closer to a future where no family has to go through this.
Every donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference.
Thanks for your support
Stephen
The Route
About My Name’s Doddie
Doddie Weir OBE was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. He earned 61 caps for Scotland during a successful playing career, represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, and won championships with his two club sides, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons.
A talented, committed and athletic lock forward, Doddie then faced his biggest challenge. In June 2017 the Scot revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. From the outset, Doddie was driven to help fellow sufferers and seek ways to further research into this, as yet, incurable disease.
In November 2017, Doddie and his trustees launched the registered charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Our vision is simple: A World Free of MND.
The number “5” is a special number for the Foundation. It features in the Foundation’s name and is a reference to Doddie’s playing number for his clubs, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons, and the jersey he wore when he earned his 61 caps for Scotland.
Visit www.myname5doddie.co.uk to find out more.
