Snow far so good for Doddie Aid’s Team South fundraisers

There are still just over two weeks still to go, but more than £500,000 has been raised within the first fortnight of its launch.

The Doddie Active Inter-District (Aid) challenge, out to raise as much money as possible for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation by the start of this year’s Six Nations Championship next month, has also seen more than 20,000 people across Scotland and beyond sign up to it since it kicked off on New Year’s Day.

The event is based around Scotland’s five former rugby districts – North and Midlands, South of Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Exiles – with individuals from each area clocking up as many miles as they can in five weeks.

Doddie’s family have been spearheading some of the most recent events for Team South this week.

These have included towing a canoe behind a quad bike, running and jumping down hills on snowboards and riding motorbirkes on snow-covered farm fields at home at Blainslie.

The winning district will be the one that covers the most miles and raises most funds.

The foundation was set up after Doddie, a former internationalist and British and Lions player, was diagnosed with MND in 2017.

Doddie Aid 2021 was conceived by fellow former international and Lion Rob Wainwright, and he said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people have signed up to this year’s competition to date and that, collectively, they’ve raised more than £500,000 and have already covered more than one million miles.

“Doddie is such an inspirational character and has demonstrated incredible bravery and integrity since revealing he had MND.

“It is testament to him that so many people have got behind the cause so quickly and so enthusiastically.”

Ex-Melrose and Newcastle Falcons player Doddie, 50, picked up 61 caps for Scotland and was part of the squad that won the 1999 Five Nations title.

He said: “Everyone at the foundation is incredibly grateful to all those people taking part in Doddie Aid, not just in Scotland but across the world. The money raised will go towards vital MND research projects and to supporting people living with MND.

“However, the event is not only generating much-needed funds but it is also helping raise awareness of the charity across Scotland and beyond.

“I hope everyone taking part will enjoy getting out and about and getting some exercise. Most importantly, I hope they all have fun.

“After that, all that’s left for me to say is may the best team win – and may it be the South!”

To sign up for Doddie Aid, visit doddieaid.com