Lions Geneva Dinner raises over £200,000

The British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation raised more than £200,000 at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Lions Legends Geneva Dinner earlier this year.

The inaugural event was held to raise funds to support research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and support people living with the disease through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, while the funds raised for The British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust will help support the financial and medical welfare of those who are in need and have worn the famous red jersey.

Well known broadcaster Gabby Logan hosted the foundation dinner, which welcomed 300 guests including former British & Irish Lions players Martin Bayfield, Craig Chalmers, Ieuan Evans, James Haskell, Gavin Hastings, Rob Howley, John Jeffrey, Martin Johnson, Dan Luger, Ugo Monye, Simon Shaw, Phil Vickery, Rob Wainwright, and Doddie Weir. Martin Bayfield hosted the night’s live auction, where a large proportion of the funds were raised.

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up in 2017 by former Scottish international and British & Irish Lion Doddie Weir to help fellow MND sufferers and seek ways to conduct further research into this yet incurable disease.

Speaking at the event, Gavin Hastings, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust, said: “One of the key aims of The British & Irish Lions is to have an impact both on and off the pitch, and we are really proud and pleased to continue supporting our Lions post retirement through The British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust.

“It was a great privilege for The British & Irish Lions to attend this event and also help raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. We have worked with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for the past year and commend the great work they do for those with MND.”

Jill Douglas, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “What a brilliant occasion the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Geneva dinner was! It was great to see so many Lions attending, including Doddie, making for a memorable evening filled with great company, plenty of stories and laughter.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to those who donated and bid on auction items. You’ve helped to raise a fantastic amount for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which will allow us to continue to invest in targeted MND research and support people living with the disease.”