Southern sporting enthusiasts get 2021 off to a flier with Doddie AID

Sporting stars – including Scottish ex-rugby international Rory Lawson and TV sports presenter (and former Southern Reporter journalist) Jill Douglas, are calling on Borders people to join them in a mass participation fundraising venture.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2021, 16:55 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2021, 16:55 BST
The Ralston family from Edgerston - Lewis, Greg, Neil and Fiona - clocking up the miles for the Doddie Challenge (picture by Bill McBurnie)The Ralston family from Edgerston - Lewis, Greg, Neil and Fiona - clocking up the miles for the Doddie Challenge (picture by Bill McBurnie)
The Ralston family from Edgerston - Lewis, Greg, Neil and Fiona - clocking up the miles for the Doddie Challenge (picture by Bill McBurnie)

The Doddie AID (Active Inter-District) Challenge is raising money for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and kicked off on New Year’s Day, running until the start of the Six Nations on February 6.

Conceived by Doddie’s former Scotland and British Lion teammate, Rob Wainwright, it sees rugby’s old Scottish inter-district championship dusted off and its five teams resurrected – The South, Edinburgh, Glasgow, North & Midlands and Scottish Exiles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To get involved, potential participants should go to www.doddieaid.com to find out how to join their chosen district and also get a free team snood. All exercise miles should then be recorded via a campaign-specific app from January 1.

Georgia Thomson from Hownam Grange, Morebattle is determined to clock up 20 miles for the project, despite a broken leg (picture by Bill McBurnie)Georgia Thomson from Hownam Grange, Morebattle is determined to clock up 20 miles for the project, despite a broken leg (picture by Bill McBurnie)
Georgia Thomson from Hownam Grange, Morebattle is determined to clock up 20 miles for the project, despite a broken leg (picture by Bill McBurnie)

Any form of exercise counts towards a district’s total on the leaderboard, from running to rollerblading, cycling to skiing or just adding up daily steps.

Throughout the event, the captains of each district will be busy signing other high-profile stars in a bid to boost their team’s efforts. Come February 6, the team which has logged the most collective miles will be crowned Doddie Aid Inter-District Champions.

Rob Wainwright said: “Doddie Aid is an opportunity to burn off all that festive excess while supporting Doddie and his Foundation in their efforts to find effective treatments for MND.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As with anything involving Doddie, it has to be fun, said the organisers.

Woodie Morris and Lesley Forsyth enjoying the Doddie Aid Challenge. Woodie, from Melrose has set a target of 500 miles, walking, running, cycling and swimming (picture by Bill McBurnie)Woodie Morris and Lesley Forsyth enjoying the Doddie Aid Challenge. Woodie, from Melrose has set a target of 500 miles, walking, running, cycling and swimming (picture by Bill McBurnie)
Woodie Morris and Lesley Forsyth enjoying the Doddie Aid Challenge. Woodie, from Melrose has set a target of 500 miles, walking, running, cycling and swimming (picture by Bill McBurnie)

Doddie Weir added: “Doddie AID! What better way to start 2021?

“The inter-district championship was a tremendous and highly competitive tournament. Reigniting these tribal rivalries is a fantastic idea and I hope you all get involved and join The South – be part of a winning team!

“Wainwright wouldn’t have made it on to the bench in our day.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was founded by former Scotland International and Lion, Doddie Weir, was set up in 2017 following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis to fund research for a cure to the devastating disease. 

For further information about the Foundation visit www.myname5doddie.co.uk

Related topics:Doddie WeirBorders