Doddie Weir OBE was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. He earned 61 caps for Scotland during a successful playing career, represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, and won championships with his two club sides, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons.

A talented, committed and athletic lock forward, Doddie then faced his biggest challenge. In June 2017 the Scot revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. From the outset, Doddie was driven to help fellow sufferers and seek ways to further research into this, as yet, incurable disease.

In November 2017, Doddie and his trustees launched the registered charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Our vision is simple: A World Free of MND.

The number “5” is a special number for the Foundation. It features in the Foundation’s name and is a reference to Doddie’s playing number for his clubs, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons, and the jersey he wore when he earned his 61 caps for Scotland.

So, my idea is to collectively cover 131 miles (minimum), which is the distance of  "5" full marathons on Sunday 14th May 2023

I'm looking for people to get together with family and friends to run (or walk) a mile or more, and donate as a way of committing to your mile. If any of you have been inspired by Kevin Sinfield and his monumental fundraising efforts over the last few years, you will be familiar with the phrase "running with a mate for a mate".  It's so simple, yet effective.

Let's be more like Kevin and show the MND Community we care enough to do something.

Thank you, and I look forward to pounding the pavements with you in May.