THEY are definitely all footsore and some are blistered, but the brave souls who are taking part in today’s Lions Trek for Doddie can relax tonight knowing they have already raised the phenomenal sum of more than £165,000 for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
At the time of writing, the 50-plus trekkers are on the second half of their 35-mile journey from Doddie Weir’s family farm near Melrose to Murrayfield.
Led by Weir’s former Scotland colleague Kenny Logan, the trek is designed to kick off a marvellous rugby weekend with the British and Irish Lions playing their first-ever match in Scotland against Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE LIONS TREK
The National caught up with the group at their halfway point in the village of West Linton, and we can confirm that Logan was joined by former Lions Andy Nicol, Alan Tait, Rob Wainwright, Jason White and Simon Shaw.
There were other weel-kent rugby faces such as broadcaster Jill Douglas and Scotland international Stuart Grimes and they all happily posed for pictures with villagers, making the day for youngsters Oli Macek, Jack Home and Nathan Walker.
Former Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces Sergeant Jason Fox from Channel 4’s hit series SAS: Who Dares Wins was also on the trek which is raising money for The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
People can raise money by donating to the Just Giving page and supporting the walk, or virtually joining the trekkers aka Doddie’s Army and creating their own JustGiving Page.
Kenny Logan told The National: “We’re doing this for Doddie, and it’s great to know we have raised more than £140,000 already.”
By 5pm that sum had soared to £165,000 and more is expected to come in over the weekend.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE LIONS TREK
Doddie Weir (below) said before the trekkers set off: “Being part of the Lions in 1997 was one of the great highlights of my rugby career … and I am delighted to see this continue with The British & Irish Lions Trust charity partnership with My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.”
He continued: “The support and amazing generosity shown to me and the Foundation by the rugby community over the last three and half years has been incredible.
"It has allowed us to invest in vital and targeted MND research and help a great many people who are living with this devastating disease, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible. With your support, we will help make a difference to the lives of those coping and battling with this awful disease.”
The trekkers are supported along their challenge by Lions Series Principal Partners Canterbury as well as long-term charitable partner to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Thrifty, Maxi Muscle, Genius brewing and Highland Spring.
Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lionstrekfordoddie
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