Latest news with #DoddieWeir
Edinburgh Live
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Hollywood star Hugh Grant visits East Lothian and stuns golfer in 'mad' challenge
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Hollywood star Hugh Grant stunned an East Lothian golfer during a surprise encounter. The Love Actually actor turned up in the middle of Graeme Smeaton's five-day golf marathon to fundraise for motor neurone disease research. He played 5 rounds across six courses between June 2 and 6. He has raised over £11,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, set up in memory of the late Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND). The Four Weddings And A Funeral icon was enjoying a round at the exclusive Luffness Golf Club, in Aberlady, when he heard about the challenge. On hearing about the fundraiser earlier this month, Grant reportedly jumped into a golf buggy and made a beeline for Graeme's group, asking with a grin: 'Which one of you is the crazy one?' Graeme said: 'It was mad – just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round. He was so charming, kind and encouraging – just as you'd imagine. 'He shook my hand, posed for a photo, and wished me luck. It gave me a massive lift and really spurred me on.' Graeme's challenge involved playing six of Scotland's most iconic courses in East Lothian, walking more than 100 miles on foot and playing five full rounds every day – with new golfers joining him for each stretch to keep his spirits up. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. He was also joined by a host of high-profile supporters, including former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine, as well as friends and family of Scott Stewart Graeme added: 'To share the experience with so many people – especially Scott's friends and family – was incredibly moving. The support I received throughout was unbelievable. The wind was brutal at times, but the camaraderie kept me going.' So far, Graeme has raised more than £11,000 for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, with donations continuing to come in. The Foundation, launched by the late Doddie Weir, funds vital research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND. He added: 'I feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness. I know Doddie and Scott would've got a kick out of the madness of it all.' To donate, visit
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Celebrities and rugby stars complete cycle for MND research in Dublin
Sports stars and celebrities have completed a cycle around the island of Ireland to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND). The 555-mile cycle set off from Belfast on Sunday in memory of the late Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir. Weir died of MND aged 52 in November 2022, after years of campaigning to raise awareness of the condition and funds for research. Scottish rugby star Kenny Logan and broadcaster Gabby Logan were among those who took part in Doddie'5 Lions Challenge, cycling around 100 miles a day for six days. The husband and wife said thinking of how the 'cruel' disease takes away a person's control of their body inspired them to keep going along the most gruelling parts of the cycle. There were joyous scenes in Dublin as the team completed the journey, celebrating by popping bottles of pink prosecco and ordering rounds of Guinness. Among those who crossed the finish line in Stillorgan were ex-footballer Ally McCoist, actor Jamie Bamber, former Harlequins player Mel Deane, and cancer campaigner Iain Ward. The journey will continue at the British and Irish Lions' 1888 Cup clash with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, with the cyclists delivering the match ball which travelled along the 555-mile cycle with them. McCoist said he had a view of the ball at the back of Kenny Logan's bike 'going up every hill'. He added: 'I know for a fact the one thing about these people over here, they love their sport, they love their rugby, and they love good people attempting to do good things, and I think when they get with that match ball tonight, I think the reception will be absolutely fantastic.' Speaking to the PA news agency, Kenny Logan thanked the people of Ireland for cheering them on along the way by beeping horns and donating any amount they could. He said: 'We went to one coffee shop, told her what we were doing. She said 'My uncle died of MD'. She gave us 50 coffees and all the food for free. So it's been amazing.' Gabby Logan said the final day was 'really physically challenging', as they climbed 1,250 metres in a few hours, but also provided a profound moment for the cyclists through stunning scenery in Co Wicklow. 'There was quite a lot of solitude today, because we weren't going through villages and towns, we were going through beautiful scenery. (It gave) a lot of time for people to think about why they're doing this today, and you can see the outpouring of emotion at the end,' she told PA. 'It's about finding cure and a solution to a terrible, terrible disease which just rips away people and their lives and at the moment, there's no hope.' Asked about the cruel effect the disease has on a person's control of their body, the couple said it helped get them through the tough parts of the cycle. Gabby Logan said: 'When you're out there and you're on the bike, and it's tiring, your body's aching, and I think 'how lucky am I that I could do that', you know? So that's why you keep going.' Kenny Logan added: 'What Gabby said, think 'you can do these things, people with MD can't'. 'The mind is so powerful. If you get your mind right, your body will follow you, and the one thing with MD, you can have the strongest mind in the world, but your body ain't gonna follow you. 'In those dark moments, when you're up the hills, and you're really struggling sometimes, I just think I just want to get off my bike and I was determined not to off my bike because we can move our legs, we can control ourselves. 'So it's been amazing. Everybody has been amazing. It's just incredible.' Asked what Weir would have thought of on Friday, he said: 'He'd think we're idiots, genuinely.' He said it was 'amazing' to have Weir's wife Kathy on the cycle on the final day, and to have Doddie's son Hamish following the cycle for the week, who was originally meant to take part but had broken his shoulder. Gabby said: 'He'd love this now. He'd love what's going to happen next with everybody going to the game tonight. 'He was so synonymous with the British and Irish Lions and loved in this country as (he was in) every country that he went to. Doddie was one of those people that just really resonated with people.' The challenge has raised more than £557,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which Weir set up in 2017, a year after being diagnosed with MND. Kenny Logan said: 'When he first started the foundation, he was thinking 'how can I find a cure?' 'And very quickly he realised it wasn't about him. He realised it's his job to try and find a cure for the person who will get it today or tomorrow.' McCoist, while holding a celebratory pint of Guinness, said that they had been well looked after while on the journey. He said the scenery of the island was a highlight, saying that it reminded of home. 'I'm a west coast of Scotland man, and it's so similar, absolutely beautiful, green – in some places it's almost lunar with the rocks – it was fantastic. The weather we've had last couple of days, beautiful greenery over the Guinness Lake,' he told PA. 'So we're gonna come back, no bikes involved, I'm gonna take the car and we're gonna do a little bit of tour. No bike next time, I can assure you.' Asked about MND, he said: 'It's arguably the cruellest and most horrible of diseases when you see what it does to you, it eats away at you. 'Big Doddie, what a figure, not just in the rugby world throughout the UK and Ireland, all over. He's just a lovable, big character, and it shows no mercy, the disease. 'You see what it's done to a lot of people, you know, top sports stars, and it doesn't matter who you are, any walk of life, it doesn't pick and choose. It's a horrible, horrible disease. 'I think we're all duty bound to attempt to do something about it. If we can help, no matter how small you might think it may be, you've got to do it, because we have to find a cure for it.'
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Celebrities and rugby stars complete cycle for MND research in Dublin
Sports stars and celebrities have completed a cycle around the island of Ireland to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND). The 555-mile cycle set off from Belfast on Sunday in memory of the late Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir. Advertisement Weir died of MND aged 52 in November 2022, after years of campaigning to raise awareness of the condition and funds for research. Scottish rugby star Kenny Logan and broadcaster Gabby Logan were among those who took part in Doddie'5 Lions Challenge, cycling around 100 miles a day for six days. Kenny and Gabby Logan at the finish line (Brian Lawless/PA) The husband and wife said thinking of how the 'cruel' disease takes away a person's control of their body inspired them to keep going along the most gruelling parts of the cycle. There were joyous scenes in Dublin as the team completed the journey, celebrating by popping bottles of pink prosecco and ordering rounds of Guinness. Advertisement Among those who crossed the finish line in Stillorgan were ex-footballer Ally McCoist, actor Jamie Bamber, former Harlequins player Mel Deane, and cancer campaigner Iain Ward. The journey will continue at the British and Irish Lions' 1888 Cup clash with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, with the cyclists delivering the match ball which travelled along the 555-mile cycle with them. McCoist said he had a view of the ball at the back of Kenny Logan's bike 'going up every hill'. Ally McCoist and Kenny Logan at the finish line (Brian Lawless/PA) He added: 'I know for a fact the one thing about these people over here, they love their sport, they love their rugby, and they love good people attempting to do good things, and I think when they get with that match ball tonight, I think the reception will be absolutely fantastic.' Advertisement Speaking to the PA news agency, Kenny Logan thanked the people of Ireland for cheering them on along the way by beeping horns and donating any amount they could. He said: 'We went to one coffee shop, told her what we were doing. She said 'My uncle died of MD'. She gave us 50 coffees and all the food for free. So it's been amazing.' Gabby Logan said the final day was 'really physically challenging', as they climbed 1,250 metres in a few hours, but also provided a profound moment for the cyclists through stunning scenery in Co Wicklow. 'There was quite a lot of solitude today, because we weren't going through villages and towns, we were going through beautiful scenery. (It gave) a lot of time for people to think about why they're doing this today, and you can see the outpouring of emotion at the end,' she told PA. Advertisement 'It's about finding cure and a solution to a terrible, terrible disease which just rips away people and their lives and at the moment, there's no hope.' Asked about the cruel effect the disease has on a person's control of their body, the couple said it helped get them through the tough parts of the cycle. Kenny Logan at the finish line (Brian Lawless/PA) Gabby Logan said: 'When you're out there and you're on the bike, and it's tiring, your body's aching, and I think 'how lucky am I that I could do that', you know? So that's why you keep going.' Kenny Logan added: 'What Gabby said, think 'you can do these things, people with MD can't'. Advertisement 'The mind is so powerful. If you get your mind right, your body will follow you, and the one thing with MD, you can have the strongest mind in the world, but your body ain't gonna follow you. 'In those dark moments, when you're up the hills, and you're really struggling sometimes, I just think I just want to get off my bike and I was determined not to off my bike because we can move our legs, we can control ourselves. 'So it's been amazing. Everybody has been amazing. It's just incredible.' Asked what Weir would have thought of on Friday, he said: 'He'd think we're idiots, genuinely.' He said it was 'amazing' to have Weir's wife Kathy on the cycle on the final day, and to have Doddie's son Hamish following the cycle for the week, who was originally meant to take part but had broken his shoulder. Gabby said: 'He'd love this now. He'd love what's going to happen next with everybody going to the game tonight. 'He was so synonymous with the British and Irish Lions and loved in this country as (he was in) every country that he went to. Doddie was one of those people that just really resonated with people.' The challenge has raised more than £557,000 (€651,000) for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which Weir set up in 2017, a year after being diagnosed with MND. Kenny Logan said: 'When he first started the foundation, he was thinking 'how can I find a cure?' 'And very quickly he realised it wasn't about him. He realised it's his job to try and find a cure for the person who will get it today or tomorrow.' McCoist, while holding a celebratory pint of Guinness, said that they had been well looked after while on the journey. Ally McCoist at the Talbot Hotel (Brian Lawless/PA) He said the scenery of the island was a highlight, saying that it reminded of home. 'I'm a west coast of Scotland man, and it's so similar, absolutely beautiful, green – in some places it's almost lunar with the rocks – it was fantastic. The weather we've had last couple of days, beautiful greenery over the Guinness Lake,' he told PA. 'So we're gonna come back, no bikes involved, I'm gonna take the car and we're gonna do a little bit of tour. No bike next time, I can assure you.' Asked about MND, he said: 'It's arguably the cruellest and most horrible of diseases when you see what it does to you, it eats away at you. 'Big Doddie, what a figure, not just in the rugby world throughout the UK and Ireland, all over. He's just a lovable, big character, and it shows no mercy, the disease. 'You see what it's done to a lot of people, you know, top sports stars, and it doesn't matter who you are, any walk of life, it doesn't pick and choose. It's a horrible, horrible disease. 'I think we're all duty bound to attempt to do something about it. If we can help, no matter how small you might think it may be, you've got to do it, because we have to find a cure for it.'
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Rangers legend Ally McCoist CRASHES in four-person pile-up on second day of epic 555-mile charity bike ride
RANGERS legend Ally McCoist has revealed he was caught up in a four-person bike crash during the second day of an epic 555-mile charity ride. McCoist and several others are taking part in the Doddie'5 Lions Challenge to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease. 3 3 3 The challenge is being run by former Scotland rugby hero Doddie Weir 's My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The journey from Belfast to Dublin will cover all four provinces on the island of Ireland and on the way they will be visiting the British & Irish Lions' Origin Clubs. The group will present the match ball for the British & Irish Lions vs Argentina match at the Aviva Stadium to finish off the challenge. Weir died in 2022, six years after being diagnosed with MND. By the time of his death, his foundation had already raised £8millon. Rangers icon McCoist was a friend of Weir's and has taken part in several fundraising activities for the charity. He signed up for the bike ride and the group of cyclists are currently on the second day of the challenge. And it hasn't been without a few bumps in the road. McCoist said in a clip filmed for his Instagram alongside Weir's eldest son, Hamish: "We're here in beautiful southern Ireland, after leaving Westport this morning at about half past eight. It was meant to be eight o'clock! "We're on our way to Galway and we're about a quarter of the way through and so we've stopped for a coffee and a bit of carrot cake. Moment Ally McCoist interrupts live radio to congratulate his 'wee pal' on signing for Rangers "But the difference today mate, it's been unbelievably windy. "It's been a struggle today. "Yesterday was great fun, no wind, but the boys have felt a little bit of pain through the wind today. "We've had one missing in action, Duncan's gave himself a sore one so hopefully he's okay." At this point, Hamish reminded the Ibrox favourite of his own accident in the saddle. He said: "You've had a little bit of an accident, talk us through it." McCoist replied: "Yes, I just came off myself actually. I was hoping to let that one go Hamish but thanks very much! "I had three people in front of me who were down, I shan't name names but I just went into the back of them but hey, we're all fine. "It was a comfy landing, I landed on one of the bigger boys." McCoist added: "We're here for your dad, we're here for MND and we're trying to raise as much money as humanly possible and we're having a bit of fun doing it as well. "We've been meeting some great people, the people of Ballymena looked after us, Monaghan looked after us. The people here have been wonderful." The footballer-turned-pundit also provided a written update on his Instagram. He said: "Day 2 - we're now 217 miles in, 338 to go. "Conditions today were effectively brutal, horrendous head wind and two men down. "If you can, please donate using the link in my bio, anything at all, we would be most grateful. "See you tomorrow, Limerick." McCoist and company were encouraged on by some famous friends in the comments section. Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed his own struggles with cancer last year, said: "Keep it going!" Fellow cycling superstar Mark Cavendish said: "Good lad!" And former cruiser-weight boxing champion Tony Bellew said: "Well done champ." McCoist has set up his own dedicated fundraising page for the cause.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ally McCoist sets off on gruelling charity ride around Ireland despite his bike BREAKING DOWN just days before
ALLY McCOIST is back in the saddle for his latest charity cycle event – but only after dealing with a few worrying mechanical issues first! The Scotland and Rangers icon headed off from Belfast this morning to take on the 555-mile, six-day ride around Ireland as part of the Doddie'5 Lions Challenge. 5 5 5 Joining McCoist in the fundraising effort are Scotland rugby great Kenny Logan, his wife and broadcaster, Gabby, former rugby stars Mel Deane and Will Greene and actor Jamie Bamber. The group will cover up to 100 miles a day in memory of Scotland legend Doddie Weir, who sadly passed away in 2022, and to raise money for research into motor neurone disease. So far, the challenge has raised more than £300,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with hopes of hitting the £500,000 mark before the final leg. The ride will finish in Dublin on Friday where the team will deliver the match ball to the Aviva Stadium ahead of the British and Irish Lions' clash with Argentina. Logan says McCoist – who also took part in the 2023 charity cycle from Edinburgh to Paris - will fill the role again of trying to keep everyone's spirits up during the gruelling ordeal. But he revealed his close pal nearly never made it all – because he kept fiddling with his bike's settings! Logan said: 'Ally's been out and about but his bike broke down the other day. 'I told him not to trust himself to check the batteries on his fancy gears – someone else needs to do that for him! 'We've lost a few to injury and it just shows how demanding this is going to be. 'I'm not going to lie – I've had my own aches and pains. Rangers legend Ally McCoist labelled 'Scotland's James Bond' as he takes an Easter dip in freezing cold loch 'No major injuries thankfully, but I've definitely been reminded why I probably shouldn't be moving this much at my age! 'I'm most nervous about the hills. 'I convinced myself Ireland was flat – it's definitely not. But nerves are good. 'I've always had them before a big challenge, and it means I care.' This year's event is both a tribute to Weir and a rallying cry to continue his legacy. 5 5 Logan added: 'The support's been incredible. 'We've still got time to push, and every penny counts. 'Since Doddie died, awareness has grown massively – but we still need to fund research. 'The Foundation has committed nearly £20 million already, which is phenomenal, but it's only the beginning. 'Doddie would be proud – but he'd be telling us to go further and faster. 'That's why we're doing this.' Seven Scots are in the Lions squad for the tour after Zander Fagerson withdrew due to injury. Logan admits he's disappointed winger Darcy Graham never got the nod – but thinks there might be time yet for the Edinburgh flier to make the plane to Australia. He added: 'I still think Darcy will go – there's a lot of rugby to be played between now and then, and there will be injuries. 'We've seen that with Zander missing out already. 'Overall it's great to see so many Scots in the squad – they'll be out to make their mark in Australia and put down a marker for the Test team.' All funds raised will support the Foundation's mission to find effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for motor neurone disease.
