On Thursday 10th February, a charity cycle team made up of a host of rugby legends cycled over 500 miles between Edinburgh and Cardiff in 48 hours for Doddie Weir’s Motor Neuron Disease charity. Led by former Scotland star Rob Wainwright and my twin brother Davy, the ride departed from Murrayfield Stadium and finished the Principality, delivering the match ball ahead of the Doddie Weir Cup game between Scotland and Wales. The challenge was the closing crescendo for Doddie Aid, a mass participation event that has been running since the start of January, encouraging people to get active and fundraise to fight MND. Unfortunately due to my injury, I was unable to take part, but I was a keen and enthusiastic (stationary) supporter!
Rob WainwrightWe do it for extraordinary people like Doddie and Davy Zyw, but ultimately, for all the other friends we have not met who suffer or will suffer from this awful disease.
Davy was joined by my two younger brothers, Sorley and Felix, and friend Malcolm Holwill. All supported by skipper and stepdad Sandy Richardson. The four cyclists tackled the challenge as a group, cycling in a continual 48-hour relay over the 500 miles. The going was tough, cycling in the dark throughout the night was hard, particularly due to the lack of sleep. But the weather was generally kind and the support from volunteers across the whole route was astounding. The challenge, which included a peleton of 100 cyclists, raised over £250,000 for vital research against this disease, which currently has no cure. Davy was diagnosed in 2018.
The challenge enjoyed exceptional media coverage across the two days. Davy, Mark, and Rob all appeared live on BBC breakfast on Saturday morning. All were surprisingly eloquent after so little sleep! Watch the full broadcast below.
Mark Beaumont, Round the World Record HolderThe Doddie Cup 500 ride is the gloriously hard finale to the Doddie Aid campaign. Having been on the inaugural pedal to Twickenham, I remember both extremes, the wicked weather, and the wonderful camaraderie! Our ride to Wales is shaping up to be equally memorable – thank you to everyone who has shown their support.
Thank you to everyone who has supported MND charities over the last few years. We have plans afoot for another charity cycle later in the year. Details to be announced soon…