Doddie Aid hits two million again

More than £2 million has been raised through this year’s Doddie Aid and Doddie’s Triple Crown cycle, marking our highest combined fundraising total since 2023’s campaign, which was the first following Doddie’s death.

Doddie Aid brought 13,000 people together across January, who collectively logged over one million miles through walking, running, cycling, dancing – however they desired. The campaign was focused on ‘doing Doddie Aid your way’ with supporters selecting a team, each captained by one of our ambassadors, and competing to be the nation with the most miles clocked per person.

That momentum carried into March, as Rob Wainwright led Doddie’s Triple Crown - a four-day 750-mile ride, involving 450 cyclists, from Scotland to Ireland.

This year, Doddie’s wife Kathy took part in the whole ride for the first time, as part of an all-female relay team. She said it meant a great deal to see people continuing to show up - taking part, supporting and finding ways to contribute.

The ride brought its usual challenges. Consecutive long, demanding days on the bike, early starts, brutal headwinds, delayed ferry crossings and very little time to recover.

Kathy said: “I’ll be honest - ahead of the challenge I was dreading it. You worry you’re not ready, that you might hold people back, but at some point you just have to get on the bike and go.

“There were moments where you don’t know how you’re going to get up a climb, but you just keep pedalling. And then you meet people along the way who are living with MND, and that brings home exactly why you’re doing it.”

Seeing her son Hamish captain the Scotland team during Doddie Aid in January was a reminder of how that connection continues as a family.

“Seeing Hamish take on that role meant a huge amount. It’s about continuing what Doddie started and keeping that connection alive as a family. He’s doing it in his own way, but with the same spirit. We all are.”

Rob, who set up Doddie Aid in 2021, and who has organised the annual fundraising rides with Mark Beaumont since 2019, said this year’s challenge had surpassed expectations.

“What stands out is the goodwill. At every stop, you see people coming together for a common cause. That’s what makes this so special.”

“The fundraising this year has been staggering – up more than 50% on our best ride. To see over £2 million raised across Doddie Aid and the ride is extraordinary. Every penny of that is going straight to the front line of MND research, which is exactly where it needs to be.

“There were people who thought this might fade after Doddie, but the opposite has happened. The support is still growing, and we’ll keep going for as long as it takes. 

“A massive thank you to all the support team, sponsors, the IRFU, and everybody who made it happen. We will keep going for all of them. There’s no finish line for this until we find a cure.” 

Moments during the ride, including the involvement of former England captain and Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody, and ex-Gloucester star Ed Slater, who are both living with MND, served as powerful reminders of the reason behind the challenge.

Planning for next year’s ride is already underway, demonstrating how truly committed Rob and the wider fundraising community are to changing the future for those living with MND.

Paul Thompson, our Director of Fundraising said: “To surpass £2 million is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the commitment of everyone involved. From those taking part in Doddie Aid to the riders pushing themselves to the limit on the Triple Crown, this is a truly collective effort.

“Every pound raised helps fund vital research that will bring us closer to effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this devastating disease.”

Since its launch, Doddie Aid has raised more than £8 million which has contributed to the £23.5 million we have committed to research into effective treatments, and one day a cure for MND.