The Doddie’5 Lions Challenge – Miles for MND

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, created by the late Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir OBE, is dedicated to tackling motor neuron disease(MND), with a mission to create a world free from the disease. Since launching in 2017, the Foundation has been driven to fund innovative research and support people living with MND, guided by its bold and award-winning ‘Catalysing acure’ strategy

555 miles, four provinces, one purpose

In June 2025, we teamed up with the Foundation for Doddie’5 Lion Challenge, a six-day cycling journey across Ireland in memory of Doddie Weir. Led by Kenny Logan, over 50 cyclists, including celebrities, former players and Doddie’s son Hamish Weir, rode from Belfast to Dublin, visiting the British and Irish Lions’ Clubs and covering 555 miles.

The number 5 holds special significance for the Foundation,as it was Doddie’s playing number during his career with Melrose and Newcastle Falcons, adding even more meaning to the challenge. The challenge ended with a powerful moment as the team delivered the match ball for the 1888 Cup at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Fundraising, made simple (and powerful)

Behind the scenes, we built a custom individual giving and fundraising platform to keep the wheels turning financially as well as physically.

• Mobile-friendly design made it effortless for cyclists to set up their own fundraising pages, track progress, and share updates on the go.
• Multiple secure payment options ensured donors could give quickly and with confidence.
• Real-time updates, custom branding, and built-in social sharing kept supporters engaged and donations flowing throughout the challenge.

Every contribution was celebrated, every rider’s journey was visible, meaning that every supporter felt part of something truly special.

Goals smashed – nearly £700,000 raised

The fundraising target was £500,000, but by the finish line,the total had surged past £650,000 thanks to more than 2,000 individual donations. Widespread media coverage, including the Irish Independent, IrishNews, and The Journal, helped fuel momentum, with familiar faces like Kenny and Gabby Logan, Mel Deane, and Jamie Bamber drawing even more attention to the cause.

The Doddie’5 Lions Challenge has become one of the Foundation’s most successful campaigns to date, a powerful reminder of what can happen when community spirit, smart technology, and a shared purpose come together in the fight against MND.

Read more about the challenge here ›