Doddie's story has transcended the rugby world. And an ex colleague and Partner of mine James Clarke , is suffering this appalling disease and doing incredible things to raise money and awareness of MND.

To fearlessly face down his diagnosis and improve the research landscape for people living with MND is mind-blowing. And to have done it with a smile never far from his lips, and humour punctuating every call to action, Doddie and James are an inspiration. Doddie Aid is a way for us all to do our little bit to help him and the Foundation in the quest to find better treatments for MND.

I am therefore aim to walk a minimum of 200 miles in the five weeks from January 1st to the first Six Nations match five weeks later. I have no idea what the dog will make of it!! But I very much hope some of you will be joining me along the way and also see yourself to donating to this quite wonderful cause.

Thank you