Doddie Weir's foundation sends another £300k to MND charities

Doddie, who first shared his MND diagnosis in June 2017, has pledged to help others living with the rapidly progressing terminal illness, as well as funding for vital research into finding a cure.

The latest tranche of funding sees £100,000 go to MND Scotland and £200,000 to the MND Association of England Wales and Northern Ireland as part of its annual commitment, taking its total contributions to MND Scotland and the MND Association to £380,000 and £670,000, respectively.

The new funds will be used by both charities to help families across the UK cover some of the financial burden that comes with a diagnosis of MND, through their grant programmes, which can be used in various ways, such as to help with costs towards home adaptations like ramps and stairlifts; for specialist equipment to live life more independently; and for respite activities for carers and families.

Jill Douglas, chief executive officer of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are delighted to continue and further strengthen our relationships with MND Scotland and MND Association by working with both these charities to support people living with motor neuron disease.

"This commitment, by Doddie and the foundation, to help patients and their families, is one of our main strategic goals and we look forward to sharing our plans for the future in the coming months.

"Our ability to offer grants to families, through the existing frontline care charities, is only possible through the amazing contribution of our fundraisers and supporters and we'd like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us, you inspire us every day."

Adrian Murphy, MND Scotland’s chairman, said: “I’d like to thank the Foundation for its ongoing support of our grants programme which allows us to provide essential support to the families affected by this devastating disease.

“Since his own diagnosis, Doddie has raised an incredible amount of awareness by sharing his personal journey with MND, and through his foundation has raised vital funds to support the cause. By continuing to work together we can help make life a little easier for people living with MND right now.”

Sally Light, chief executive of the MND Association for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: “We are really pleased and grateful that Doddie is channelling money raised by his foundation in the last year into our care grants programme once again, ensuring it goes directly to people affected by MND who desperately need it.

“We have a long-standing and comprehensive programme which we know makes such a difference and support like Doddie’s and that of his Foundation’s supporters is vital to us continuing with that.”