Mountain rescuer climbs Ben Nevis for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation - carrying 100kg

David Dooher is taking on the challenge for Doddie Weir's charity

Author: Gergo PapPublished 7th Jun 2023
Last updated 7th Jun 2023

Mountain rescuer David Dooher is climbing up Ben Nevis tonight to raise money for Doddie Weir’s charity – with a hundred kilograms on his shoulders.

The 38-year-old from Uddingston is setting off on the hike on his birthday to help end motor neuron disease.

It comes after he had already managed to raise £10,000 for the MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

David has been preparing for the challenge for six months and will complete it overnight to minimise disruption to other hikers – he will be walking up with a seven-foot bar on the path.

'The pain is impossible to ignore'

He has already completed several hikes carrying heavy bars, including Ben Vorlich with 95kg and Ben Lomond with 75kg.

“The pain in my back, neck and shoulders is impossible to ignore and manage, however I want to symbolise the burden carried by the people who live with MND and their families as much as possible”, he said.

As part of the preparation, David also had to increase his calorie intake which exceeded 4,000 calories during the training.

He is starting the trek at 7pm tonight, and will be joined by a support team as he will be aiming for the highest summit in Scotland.

'I'll be thinking about Doddie with every step'

He said: “With the fine weather it should make for an amazing sunset and sunrise. I am worried about injury, but I’ve prepared mentally, and I will keep going until the job is done.

“I want it to be difficult and painful. I've already been emotional during some walks just because of the pain and exhaustion, but that adds to the magnitude for me so I'm not afraid to show it”, he added.

“I’ve received so many lovely messages from families of people diagnosed or whose families have passed away due to MND.

"That reinforces the reasons for why I'm tackling the task. I’ll be thinking about Doddie with every step.”

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