The widow of rugby star George “Doddie” Weir has expressed her “incredibly grateful” thanks after fundraisers amassed more than £2 million to advance treatments for motor neurone disease.
Kathy Weir highlighted that the Doddie’s Triple Crown endurance cycling challenge, held in March, contributed £1.6 million alone to this significant sum.
The challenging 750-mile event, which took place from March 10-13, along with other previous initiatives, directly supports the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, her late husband’s namesake charity dedicated to finding better treatments for the degenerative condition.
Mrs Weir, who took part in an all-female relay team, said: “To go past £2 million once again is just incredible. It shows the support for Doddie’s legacy and the whole MND community is not only still there – it’s growing.
“People are still turning up, still giving, still pushing themselves, and that means everything.
“The momentum behind the cause is bigger than ever, and it will continue to grow as we look for an end to this terrible disease.”
Every January, walkers, cyclists, and runners log their miles as part of the charity’s annual Doddie Aid, with nearly 13,000 people involved in this year’s event.
Doddie and Mrs Weir’s son, Hamish, took part for the first time this year, to the delight of his mum.
Mrs Weir said: “Seeing Hamish take on that role meant a huge amount.
“It’s about continuing what Doddie started and keeping that connection alive as a family.
“He’s doing it in his own way, but with the same spirit. We all are.”
Others involved in this year’s event included former Ireland rugby player Gordon D’Arcy, who also delivered the match ball before the Ireland v Scotland Six Nations match, Dublin.
Mrs Weir said: “The welcome we received in Dublin was special, and the attention the ride received was fitting of all that had gone into it. I’ll be honest – ahead of the challenge I was dreading it.
“You worry you’re not ready, that you might hold people back, but at some point you just have to get on the bike and go.
“There were moments where you don’t know how you’re going to get up a climb, but you just keep pedalling.
“And then you meet people along the way who are living with MND, and that brings home exactly why you’re doing it.
“We’re just incredibly grateful.
“To everyone who cycled, donated or supported us along the way – we’re all in this for the same reason, and every single contribution matters.”
Rob Wainwright, Doddie Weir’s former teammate and close friend, launched Doddie Air in 2018.
Doddie Weir was diagnosed in 2016 and died in 2022.
He said: “What stands out is the goodwill. At every stop you see people coming together for a common cause. That’s what makes this so special.
“The fundraising this year has been staggering, up more than 50% on our best ever ride.
“To see over £2 million raised across Doddie Aid and the ride is extraordinary.
“Every penny of that is going straight to the front line of MND research, which is exactly where it needs to be.
“There were people who thought this might fade after Doddie, but the opposite has happened.
“The support is still growing, and we’ll keep going for as long as it takes.
“A massive thank you to all the support team, sponsors, the IRFU, and everybody who made it happen. We will keep going for all of them. There’s no finish line for this until we find a cure. Doddie’s legacy is not only enduring – it’s driving real progress.”
You can donate to the charity here.
Donations specifically for the Triple Crown can be made here.
