Press Article: Celebrities Unite for Doddie’5 Lions Cycle Challenge to Combat Motor Neurone Disease
A star-studded team of celebrities and rugby legends is gearing up for a monumental 555-mile cycling challenge around the island of Ireland to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research, all in memory of the late Doddie Weir. Weir, a Scottish rugby icon, passed away from MND in November 2022 at the age of 52, after years of tireless advocacy for awareness and research funding.
The "Doddie’5 Lions Challenge," led by Scottish rugby legend Kenny Logan and his television presenter wife Gabby, will see participants cycling approximately 100 miles a day over six days, departing from Belfast on Sunday. The route includes stops in Galway, Limerick, and Cork, culminating in Dublin on June 20, where they will deliver the match ball for the British and Irish Lions’ 1888 Cup clash with Argentina.
While some participants, including Weir’s son Hamish, have had to withdraw due to injuries, the team remains strong, with football legend Ally McCoist, actor Jamie Bamber, and cancer campaigner Iain Ward joining the effort. The initiative has already raised over £300,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with hopes to reach £500,000 by the end of the challenge.
Kenny Logan expressed his anticipation, stating, “The hills will be a challenge—I convinced myself Ireland was flat, and it’s definitely not.” He emphasized the importance of continuing to raise funds for MND research, noting the foundation’s commitment of nearly £20 million thus far. Logan humorously acknowledged the logistical issues with bike maintenance, particularly for McCoist.
Funds raised from this challenge will directly support ongoing efforts to find effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for MND. For more information or to donate, visit the link.
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.
