Kathy Weir Takes on Gruelling 750-Mile Cycle for Doddie's MND Foundation
The wife of the late rugby icon and motor neurone disease campaigner Doddie Weir is preparing for an extraordinary 750-mile cycling challenge to raise vital funds for the charity he established. Kathy Weir will join hundreds of other riders in the Doddie's Triple Crown 2026 event, cycling from the Scottish Borders to Dublin over multiple days.
Mental Readiness for a Major Fundraising Effort
Kathy, 55, has been a steadfast supporter of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation since her husband's passing in November 2022 but now feels psychologically prepared to undertake a significant physical challenge. She explained, "This is probably the first year I've felt mentally ready to take on something like this. I don't know about physically – but mentally, yes."
Reflecting on the period following Doddie's death at age 52 after living with MND for over six years, Kathy admitted, "After Doddie died, I probably wasn't in a great place. I'd tell everyone I was fine, but I was exhausted, mentally and physically. It was emotional and it was public. It's taken time." Her participation in the final stage of last year's event helped build her confidence for the full challenge ahead.
Training Through Scottish Weather and Family Involvement
The cycling challenge commences on March 10, with Kathy already training by cycling around the Borders region. She acknowledged the demanding conditions expected, stating, "I'm a cyclist – but usually a summer cyclist. Rob keeps reminding us you don't just ride a bike when it's sunny – apparently we're doing this in wet and windy weather too."
Doddie's sons Hamish, Angus and Ben have also been actively involved in fundraising for the foundation, continuing their father's legacy. The family's commitment has drawn praise from former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, who leads the annual endurance cycle.
Wainwright on the Challenge and Doddie's Legacy
Wainwright emphasised the difficulty of the upcoming Triple Crown, noting, "It has to be painful. Three 180 to 200-mile days in a row is relentless – the lack of sleep, the early starts, the cumulative fatigue. And if we get headwinds and rain the whole way, it'll be brutal. But there has to be a challenge."
He expressed deep admiration for the Weir family's efforts, saying, "It's immensely positive to see Doddie's family continuing the work he started. To turn something so painful into something forward-looking and positive – I've got enormous respect for Kathy and the boys." Wainwright highlighted that while they don't have to carry the baton alone, their voluntary participation adds significant energy to the cause.
Reflecting on Doddie's character, Wainwright added, "Long before his diagnosis, Doddie was building loyalty just by being who he was. He gave his time to people. He was generous and genuinely interested in others. When he turned that energy towards tackling MND, it created something powerful – and that's why it's still growing."
Kathy summarised her motivation, "Now I'm at a place where I'm happy to do anything I can to help raise the profile for Rob, the foundation, and for the whole MND community." The challenge represents both a personal milestone and a continued commitment to advancing research into motor neurone disease through the foundation established in 2017.
