Sir Chris Hoy and Ally McCoist call for more Doddie Aid sign-ups

Sports stars and celebrities are asking the public to take part in an ongoing fundraiser in honour of rugby legend Doddie Weir.

Weir died in 2022 aged 52 from motor neurone disease (MND) and the charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set by him to raise funds for vital research into the condition.

Doddie Aid is a five-week fundraising event as part of the foundation, which sees entrants pay £20 to join, and they then log their miles running, walking, swimming and cycling.

Each £20 donated goes towards finding a cure for MND, and more than 13,000 people from across the UK and Ireland have joined Doddie Aid 2025, which began on January 1.

With the event having passed its halfway point, stars including Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, football pundit Ally McCoist, TV star Lorraine Kelly and Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke have called on the public to join in.

Others urging support for the event include First Minister John Swinney, sports presenter Gabby Logan, Deacon Blue drummer and broadcaster Dougie Vipond, and actor Jimmy Nesbitt.

Sir Chris said: “We want as many people as possible to sign up. It’s all to raise awareness and vital funds for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

“It’s a fantastic organisation set up by the legend Doddie Weir, and all to raise money so that one day, hopefully, we can find a cure for MND.”

McCoist said: “I have to say, the effort from thousands of people across all four nations has been phenomenal. We’re getting fit, putting MND in the spotlight and raising vital funds for MND research.

“We’re at the halfway point and there’s still every reason to join in. Every person who signs up and pays their £20 takes us closer to finding effective treatments and a cure for MND.

“‘Weir’ in this together – let’s do it for Doddie.”

The 2025 event also features an improved app to enable participants to log miles in their chosen sport or activity.

To sign up, visit doddieaid.com. More information about the foundation can be found at myname5doddie.co.uk/.