My Name'5 Doddie Foundation has now committed more than £18 million to
vital motor neuron disease (MND) research – two years on from Doddie's
death from the disease.
The Foundation, which Doddie set up in 2017 following
his MND diagnosis at just 46 years-old, has now backed more than 40 pioneering
research projects looking at all stages of the disease. Our cutting-edge
Catalysing a Cure Research strategy, led by our Director of Research Jessica
Lee, launched in early 2023, directing millions of pounds to research projects
that will make the biggest difference in the search for effective treatments,
and one day a cure, for MND – from biomarkers that could signal early
signs of the disease to clinical trials for possible treatments. This milestone
announcement arrives alongside the launch of Doddie Aid 2025 – the
Foundation's signature mass participation event in which tens of thousands of
people rack up miles walking, running, swimming, cycling and more to raise money
to help fund the search for effective treatments and one day a cure for MND.
Doddie died on November 26, 2022 after living with MND for almost six years. The
dad-of- three, capped 61-times for Scotland during an illustrious rugby career
with Scotland, the British and Irish Lions, Newcastle Falcons, and his home town
club Melrose, became one of the world’s most prominent MND campaigners
during the last years of his life, helping galvanise efforts to develop
treatments for the disease, as well as raising millions through the My
Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Doddie wanted the pursuit of a world free of MND
would be his legacy.
Doddie Aid 2025, which begins on 1 January, promises
to be the biggest yet, with a new expanded four-nations format in which
participants will compete against each other amongst friends, family,
colleagues, communities, sports clubs, and beyond. Each nation – England,
Ireland, Wales, and Doddie’s native Scotland – will be led by two
celebrity star captains set to be announced in December. The 2025 event will
also feature a new and improved app to enable participants to log miles in their
chosen sport or activity. Doddie Aid has so far contributed more than £5m
to the Foundation's cause since it was launched by Doddie's friend, former
teammate, and Scotland captain Rob Wainwright in 2021. It has grown to become
one of the biggest mass participation events dedicated to MND fundraising in the
world. Luke Hames Brown, a former GP forced to retire following his own
MND diagnosis last year, is one of thousands of people set to take part in
Doddie Aid. The 38-year-old, who lives in Oxfordshire with wife Kate, raised
more than £50,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation by walking the
length of Hadrian’s Wall earlier this year, has called on everybody to
join the Doddie Aid cause and raise as much money as possible for MND
research.
He said: “MND can affect somebody at almost any age,
stealing mobility function, independence, and lives. It inevitably dominates and
defines people’s lives, and funding and supporting research is one of the
best ways we can control the narrative of that definition.
“I know
that getting involved with Doddie Aid and support for MND research might be
planting trees in a garden that I never get to see personally – but if
there’s any chance that my contribution can make a difference, I’m
going to take it. Even if this doesn’t happen in time for me, I
don’t want other people in the future to have to go through the same
experience. “By supporting the Foundation and Doddie Aid, you can help
ensure that if in the future you or somebody you know is affected by this
devastating disease, then there may be a very different picture – one of
positivity and hope. That’s why I want everybody to sign up to Doddie
Aid.”
Nicola Roseman, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie
Foundation, said: “This momentous £18m research milestone is
testament to the thousands of campaigners and supporters who have picked up the
baton from Doddie and donated to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It is a
great achievement – but we have so much more to do. Doddie was relentless
in his pursuit of a word free of MND, and it will be up to us to realise his
legacy by committing more money to research projects that will make a difference
to those with MND.
“Doddie Aid is the focal point of our year
and the time when everybody affected directly, indirectly, or who has simply
been touched by the many incredible, inspiring, and heartbreaking stories
connected to the MND community can do something about it. Every person who signs
up is making a difference.
“We miss Doddie always, and feel his
absence even more on occasions like this anniversary. The best tribute we can
all pay to him is to do everything to move closer to that cure – and it
starts with Doddie Aid 2025.” MND is a disease which affects the motor
neurons of the nervous system. It damages and attacks the nerves, meaning that
messages being sent from the brain to the muscles no longer work. It is life
shortening and mostly progresses rapidly. Approximately 1,100 people are
diagnosed with MND every year in the UK. Up to 5,000 adults in the UK are
affected at any one time.
To sign up to Doddie Aid 2025, download the app or
visit doddieaid.com. For more information about My Name’5 Doddie
Foundation visit myname5doddie.co.uk/.
MNDF announces milestone £18 million
of funding for MND research as Doddie Aid 2025 launches on second anniversary of
Doddie's death
Doddie Aid Founder Rob
Wainwright with the match ball before the 2023 Doddie Weir Cup
Luke Hames
Brown, living with MND
