In June 2023, I will be undertaking a second fundraising challenge, to complete a walk covering 300+ miles of moorland and mountains in northern England (and a touch of Scotland). The walk will take in the “Pennine Journey” (a national long distance path) together with the northern section of the “Pennine Way” (a national trail). The route will start in Kirk Yetholm, in the Scottish Borders, travelling south across the Cheviot Hills to meet Hadrian’s Wall (58 miles). This will be the starting point for the Pennine Journey – a circular 247 mile walk around the Northern Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales.

My fundraising is in support of the “My Name’5 Doddie Foundation”, which works to improve the lives of those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. In 1994, my mother died from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) after a debilitating battle which dominated the last several years of her life. This walk is to celebrate Mum’s memory, and to raise funds driving research too secure treatments and eventually a cure for MND, and to raise funds to support families who are going through the same ordeal.

The Cause

Many will have heard of Doddie Weir and his battle with MND. I found that the establishment of the “My Name’5 Doddie Foundation” and the work carried out to raise funds that aid research into the causes of MND, investigate potential cures, and make grants to individuals suffering from MND an inspiration. Head here www.myname5doddie.co.uk to learn more.

Doddie’s determined campaigning to raise awareness and support for MND was something very special indeed. He fearlessly faced down his own MND diagnosis whilst simultaneously raising awareness of the disease and supporting fellow sufferers.

I share a Scottish heritage and rugby focus which has kept me very aware of Doddie’s work as his own MND symptoms developed. I have played rugby for community rugby clubs across England, then joined the Devon Rugby Referee Society in 1991. Rugby has been part of my life for over 50 years.

The work of the Foundation has resulted in excess of 30 potential drug treatments currently being available for trial in the UK. I feel that it’s time to continue supporting the work of Doddie and the “My Name’5 Doddie” foundation.

A huge frustration that accompanies a diagnosis of MND is the lack of suitable treatments available, and the terrible prognosis that this causes. I am walking for those who cannot. So please sponsor me, and support a great cause. With your help, we can bring hope to the lives of MND sufferers and their families.

Thanks for your support and look out for updates on my progress!

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