Cycle Challenge to Honor Doddie Weir and Raise Funds for MND Research
A team of celebrities and sports stars is gearing up for an ambitious 555-mile cycling challenge around Ireland, dubbed the Doddie’5 Lions Challenge, in memory of the late rugby player Doddie Weir, who passed away from motor neurone disease (MND) in November 2022 at age 52. Weir dedicated his final years to raising awareness and funding for MND research.
The challenge, featuring participants like Scottish rugby legend Kenny Logan and television presenter Gabby Logan, will see the team cycle approximately 100 miles each day over six days, starting from Belfast with a final stop in Dublin on June 20. The event coincides with the British and Irish Lions’ 1888 Cup showdown against Argentina, where the team will present the match ball.
Despite some withdrawals due to injury, including Weir’s son Hamish, the effort has already raised over £300,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with hopes to reach £500,000 by the challenge’s end. Kenny Logan, who led a previous cycle from Edinburgh to Paris raising nearly £1 million for MND, is determined to push the boundaries further.
Logan expressed mixed emotions about the physically demanding journey ahead, noting, “I’m most nervous about the hills… the support’s been incredible, but we need all the help we can get.” He emphasized that since Doddie’s passing, awareness of MND has surged, but more funds are crucial for ongoing research, with the foundation having committed nearly £20 million to date.
Fundraising continues, and supporters can contribute or learn more about the challenge through the foundation’s website. Logan reaffirmed, “Doddie would be proud—this is just the beginning.”
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
