The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight shines a deserving light on the extraordinary charity efforts of rugby fans as they prepare for a challenging and inspiring fundraising event. A group of 16 rugby enthusiasts is gearing up for a grueling 3000km cycle to Rome via every Six Nations stadium in just nine days.
This impressive initiative is in response to an appeal from former Scotland captain and My Name’s Doddie Ambassador Rob Wainwright, with the aim of raising an impressive £1 million for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. The cycling challenge, called “All Roads Lead to Rome 2024”, follows the success of last year’s “DoddieCup 555” and will culminate in the highly-anticipated Six Nations Scotland v Italy match on Friday 8th March.
Named “Doddie’s Grand Slam Team”, the participants face the ambitious task of pedaling their way from Murrayfield Edinburgh to Rome, passing through iconic stadiums such as Aviva Dublin, Principality Cardiff, Twickenham London, Stade De France Paris, and Olimpico Rome. This group, composed of a mix of rugby enthusiasts with diverse backgrounds, features familiar names from the rugby world, including former Scotland and British Lions winger Roger Baird, former SRU president Ian Barr, and the head of Doddie Aid Wales, Rob Boyns.
With over £100,000 already raised by generous supporters, Doddie’s Grand Slam Team is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for essential MND research, in tribute to the legacy of Doddie Weir and his relentless fight against the disease, which led to the establishment of the My Name’s Doddie Foundation in 2017.
Adding to the significance of their mission, the team will be carrying the Match Ball for the Scotland v Italy Match on March 9th, which will be presented to them by ex-player and Scottish Rugby Union President Colin Rigby. The team’s official title, “Dodd1e’5 Gr4nd S7am Team”, incorporates symbolic numbers representing the late Doddie Weir OBE, Paul Rendall, Ed Slater, and Rob Burrow, all impacted by MND.
The cycling adventure begins on February 28th at Murrayfield Stadium, with the team making an exciting detour to Monaco before reaching Rome. During the challenge, the team will cycle in relay formation, racing against time to reach their destinations while raising awareness and inspiring young people through school visits and community engagement.
In the midst of their strenuous journey, the cyclists aim to maintain focus and uplift each other’s spirits with the support of various rugby legends, including Paddy Johns, joining them along the way. As the team delivers the Match Ball to Stadio Olimpico in Rome on March 7th, they will recharge before rallying alongside thousands of Scotland fans to support their team in the highly-anticipated Six Nations match against Italy on March 9th.
Team captain Ian Barr expressed his admiration for Doddie Weir and emphasized the team’s commitment to making a difference through their challenging endeavor. Similarly, fellow team captain Rob Boyns stressed the importance of raising awareness to secure funding for MND research, highlighting the global impact of the disease and the need for perpetual funding to find a cure.
Furthermore, individuals are invited to join Doddie’s Grand Slam Team remotely by taking on their “Race to Rome” challenge. Participants can cycle, row, swim, or run the full 3000km, with the chance to win prizes while supporting the My Name’s Doddie Foundation.
In conclusion, Doddie’s Grand Slam Team’s relentless determination and unwavering commitment to finding a cure for MND exemplify the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and compassion at the heart of the rugby community. Their inspiring journey to Rome stands as a testament to the powerful impact of collective goodwill and reflects the enduring legacy of Doddie Weir’s advocacy for MND research.