Team set to cycle, run, walk and paddle for Doddie's MND foundation

The team, from left, are: Allan Dodds, Mathew Wilkie, Scott Wight, Rory Murray, Wayne Mitchell, Jamie Murray, Steven & Barbara Shiel.

Led by challenge creator Jamie Murray, participants Scott Wight, Allan Dodds, Barbara Shiel, Steven Shiel, Mathew Wilkie, Wayne Mitchell and Rory Murray will begin the demanding challenge at midnight on June 5, and aim to reach the finish by 11.59pm.

Starting at Port Patrick on the West Coast and finishing at Cove on the East, the route encompasses the start and finish points of the Southern Upland Way, as well as other parts of the walking route.

The journey will include cycle, kayak, running and walking legs, ranging from a 90.3-mile cycle to a 2.3-mile kayak.

So far, the team has raised more than £8,000 and hopes to reach a £24,000 target after completing the challenge, which is being supported by headline sponsor NFU Mutual.

Rory Murray, challenge participant and agent at NFU Mutual’s Borders Agency, said: “I grew up in Melrose where Doddie played his rugby, so he was always a hero of mine.

"Since discovering his diagnosis, I have been in awe of my rugby hero’s brave fight against MND through his work with the foundation.

"It fills me with pride to know that we are, in a small way, helping in this cause.”

Jill Douglas, CEO of the foundation, said: “I’d like to thank everyone at NFU Mutual for their wonderful support for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

"The Coast to Coast in 24 Hours Challenge is an ambitious and exciting challenge and the organisation and effort of the team is impressive.

“It will not only raise significant funds for the foundation, but also raise awareness around MND and our work to help find a cure and support people living with this devastating disease.

"Every day, six people are diagnosed with MND across the UK. A third will die within a year…and half will die within two years of diagnosis.

"Currently we are supporting some amazing research projects and clinical trials to help find meaningful treatments and, one day, a cure for motor neuron disease.”

To donate to the team, and wish them luck, visit https://bit.ly/3wc9Xhm.