This is the first time in my 40 (ish) years that I have reached out to my network to raise funds for charity! And that’s not because I haven’t done any physical activity before – before anyone chimes in…

On Saturday I will be embarking on a 900 mile bike ride on a tandem in aid of a rugby colleague who has been recently diagnosed with a terminal illness - from Lands End to John O’Groats – the entire length of the UK.

Doddie Weir, the former Scottish international, is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease and the 900 mile cycle over 10 days is in aid of the charity Doddie set up.

The “My Name’5 Doddie Foundation” aims to raise awareness and vital funds into research for treatment of the currently incurable condition. https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/

Likened to a ‘mad giraffe’ by legendary voice of rugby Bill Mclaren, Weir made 61 appearances for Scotland, toured with the British and Irish Lions on their series winning tour to South Africa in ’97 and was part of the Premiership winning Newcastle side in ’98.

I will be on a tandem with Peter Winterbottom – one of the legends of the English game. The combined weight of us both will make it an interesting ride – and I’m hoping that Wints has done more training than me!

“Doddie is such a character, one of the rare ones in rugby, whom everyone seems to love no matter their team or national allegiance!” said Peter Winterbottom.

This will be no mean feat and like my other team mates on the cycle – we are not exactly built for cycling but the pain and effort will be truly worthwhile given the good cause.

We have all funded the cost of the ride ourselves with every penny we raise going to the charity.

Please give generously to this good cause