'Let's do it for Doddie': Wife of late Scotland star urges fundraisers to honour husband's memory
Last updated 27th Dec 2022
The wife of former Scotland star Doddie Weir is encouraging more people to sign up to a fundraising campaign inspired by her late husband - to help find a cure for motor neurone disease.
Doddie Aid - which kicks off on Sunday, January the 1st - encourages everyone to get active, by downloading an app and clocking up as many miles as possible over the first six weeks of the New Year.
All forms of exercise count - including running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing and even hopping.
The event splits participants into six districts, with the winning district being the one that covers the furthest distance.
Various celebrities from the world of sport and television have taken to social media in recent weeks to voice their support for Doddie Aid - from Scotland ace Stuart Hogg, who's captaining The South team, to SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox, who's taking charge of the Barbarians.
In a video message of her own, Doddie's wife Kathy (pictured top, bottom left) said: "Here I am out on a bit of a dreich, dreary day... full of cold. But, I have to say, out getting fresh air makes you feel an awful lot better.
"I'm slightly cheating as I am on horse back, but I'd definitely say it has cleared my head, and I do feel better. But, more importantly, we all need to get signed up, start our little campaign on the 1st of January - join (Team) South, and let's do it for Doddie."
The event has raised more than £2 million for MND research in the last two years.
But organisers are hoping to raise even more this time around.
Speaking at his memorial service last week, Doddie's friend and former teammate Rob Wainwright said: "He (Doddie) has moved mountains, galvanised government, inspired nations and has set in motion a crusade that will only end when we find a cure for this awful disease.
"And it falls on us to drive for that breakthrough in MND treatment that must just be round the corner - albeit, at this time, frustratingly out of sight. Let's push the science round the corner by funding it."
The former Scotland rugby legend died last month, aged 52, following a six-year battle with the condition.
And hundreds of people packed out Melrose Parish Church and the neighbouring Greenyards for the service to celebrate his life last Monday, while thousands more around the world watched online.
Rob - who founded Doddie Aid - added: "Actively nag your friends, your colleagues, your club, your school, your business and your family to get involved. If you sign up 50,000 people that is £1 million for research, and that is how we fulfil Doddie's legacy - by solving MND; and that must be Doddie's trophy."
Participants sign up using the Doddie Aid app, choose a district to represent, claim their free district snood and log all their exercise miles on the app. To find out more click here.
Are you taking part in Doddie's Aid? Do you have a special reason for doing so? If so, and you'd like to share your story, email our news team: news@radioborders.com