A group of cyclists including Scotland Grand Slam winner Roger Baird left Edinburgh this afternoon as they embark on a mammoth fundraising effort in the name of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
On their epic journey, the group will take in each of the Six Nations venues, culminating with their arrival in Rome ahead of Scotland’s clash with Italy next weekend.
Along their way, they plan to visit more than 40 rugby clubs to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, the condition Doddie Weir fought so hard to find a cure for after his diagnosis in late 2016.
Weir died in November 2022 but has raised millions of pounds to fund research into MND.
Taking part is 1984 Grand Slam legend Baird, who reflected on his own memories of the former Scotland and Lions lock.
He said: “I was very lucky to know Doddie well, being from the Borders - the end of my career and the start of his crossed over and we spoke together at various events. He was larger than life and just great fun to be around and literally everyone loved him.
“The legacy he has left is just amazing and it means so much to MND sufferers both in terms of drugs and research and care for those afflicted with this horrible disease.”
Baird added the importance of carrying on Weir’s work is not lost on the group undertaking the
He added: “When he was diagnosed the only drug that had come out was 20 years old and that is just not right. What he did was amazing.”
The group has already raised in excess of £100,000 for the foundation set up by ex-Scotland and Lions lock Weir following his diagnosis.
Before setting off from the home of Scottish Rugby, 63-year-old Baird said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“It is really exciting and it’ll be a great trip with a great bunch and a bit of pain,” he added.
To see them on their way, Scotland’s record points scorer Chris Paterson handed over the match ball for the game at the Stadio Olimpico.
The group will hand over to Marcello Cuttitta, brother of the late ex-Italy international and former Scotland assistant coach Massimo in Monaco, where they are also expected to meet Prince Albert of Monaco.
Paterson lauded the “brilliant” work of those behind the fundraiser.
"Its the legacy we all hoped would continue,” the 109-cap former Scotland international said.
His also shared his own memories of Weir, from growing up in the Borders watching him play to the pair sharing the international stage.
“I knew Doddie for a long, long time,” Paterson said.
“He was someone initially I looked up to because of his involvement with rugby and his talents, then when I got to know him and play alongside him, you saw what was more special than his rugby talent – how much he looked after people.
“He was a really good team-mate and friend. He means so much to so many people.”
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