My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has been our nominated charity partner since 2019. The My Foundation has two aims: firstly, to raise funds for research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures, and, secondly, to make grants to sufferers of MND and enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible. In June 2019, our Founder, Belinda Roberts heartbreakingly lost her father to MND, it’s a disease which is very close to all of our hearts in the WeDO community.
Doddie Weir OBE was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. In June 2017, he revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. From the outset, Doddie was driven to help fellow sufferers & seek ways to further research into this, as yet, incurable disease. Their research strategy is to support the MND community by funding, guiding and enabling the smartest, most efficient research to expedite new treatments for MND.
INSPIRING LEADER
Doddie was awarded our Inspiring Leader Award on the 21st of June 2019. Doddie meant so much to so many people across the globe, to us, he was the epitome of bravery, determination and positivity. He never strayed from his mantra of “keep smiling, stay positive and enjoy life.”
With Doddie’s sad passing in November 2022, we felt the most fitting tribute to Doddie would be to share the images and speeches from the evening which will inspire you, and are the best example of how closely we hold Doddie in our hearts and will do forever. He received 3 standing ovations that night and his acceptance speech was absolutely fantastic and so inspiring, amply peppered with his trademark brilliant sense of humour. The legacy he has left is nothing short of astounding and all of us in the WeDO community will strive to do everything we can to ensure his legacy lives on.
Here are Doddie Weir and Jill Douglas explaining more about MND, including Doddie’s experiences and the work that the Foundation is doing to find a cure.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
Their Scientific Advisory Board is made up of leading research and clinical neurologists from all over the UK. They meet twice a year and regularly engage with them to seek their advice on MND research projects and developments, collaborate on multiple projects, and to gain a better understanding of MND research across the globe. The strong and trusted relationships they have with their advisors enable them to focus their research on the areas that matter most.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has to date committed more than £8 million towards research to help fund a cure for Motor Neuron Disease. The trustees have awarded grants to MND research projects at centres of excellence across the UK.
GRANTS TO HELP PEOPLE LIVING WITH MND
They recognise that collaborations with others in the MND community strengthens the impact they can make. The Foundation works closely with MND charities and organisations on campaigns, awareness-raising, research strategy and funding. We also give grants to the MND Association and MND Scotland to help people living with MND
“To be told you have Motor Neuron Disease is devastating news. From the start, I wanted to do something to help people who were going through the same as me. We are committed to helping find a cure for this devastating disease but also helping people whose lives have been affected by MND.” Doddie Weir
EVENTS
You will never be far away from an event supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation thanks to the incredible support of volunteers up and down the country. Each and every event is vital in helping raise awareness and funds to support sufferers of MND. Click HERE to find out more about forthcoming events in aid of the Foundation.
DODDIE AID
Doddie Aid is a virtual mass-participation exercise event founded by former Scotland captain, Rob Wainwright, that takes place annually, this year lasting for 6 weeks from 1 January 2023. Any exercise counts, with the winning district being the one with the most miles at the end of the event. All participants also receive a free snood for taking part.
Over the last 2 years, the event has seen over 30,000 participants cover 4 million miles and raise over £2 million for the Foundation. Find out more about Doddie Aid by clicking HERE.
DODDIE BUSINESS CLUB
The Business Club provides an opportunity for influential business leaders to build relations with like-minded counterparts from various business backgrounds over their shared passion to support the Foundation.
NETWORKING
A unique opportunity for influential business leaders to build relations with like-minded counterparts.
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Business leaders to provide inspirational advice/insight at private events throughout the year.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Become part of a My Name’5 Doddie Foundation initiative that will make a significant difference to finding a cure for MND.
BENEFITS
Access exclusive benefits from our partner businesses such as discounts at Gaucho, Thrifty, and the list goes on.
Click HERE to find out more about the Business Club.
DODDIE’S CLUBHOUSE
Would you like to make an ongoing difference to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and help them achieve a world free of MND?
Doddie’s clubhouse enables you to make a small monthly payment to support the work of the Foundation. As thanks for your support, you’ll receive exclusive content, a pin badge unique to members, car sticker and commemorative clubhouse items.
Your donations will be used to support targeted research, identified by experts as the most promising for helping to find a cure to MND. Click HERE to join.
HOW TO DONATE
Click on the logo below to donate via Justgiving
Text DODDIE TO 70970 to donate £5
Text DODDIE to 70191 to donate £10
Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org
You can follow My Name’5 Doddie Foundation on social media by clicking the links below:
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