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A group of city-based cyclists including some ex- international rugby players are cycling from Lands End to John OGroats on tandems for a much-loved former player diagnosed with a terminal illness. Doddie Weir, the former Scottish international, is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease and the 900 mile cycle over 10 days is in aid of the charity Doddie set up. The My Name5 Doddie Foundations aim is to raise awareness and vital funds into research for treatment of the currently incurable condition. Likened to a mad giraffe by legendary voice of rugby Bill Mclaren, Weir made 61 appearances for Scotland, toured with the British and Irish Lions on their series winning tour to South Africa in 97 and was part of the Premiership winning Newcastle side in 98. Doddie is such a character, one of the rare ones in rugby, whom everyone seems to love no matter their team or national allegiance! said Peter Winterbottom. Inspired by Doddie and his indefatigable and fun-loving spirit in the face of adversity, the cyclists dubbed The Naughty Boys Club and who have previously tackled a ride to commemorate Waterloo 200 for wounded servicemen and women, decided to go one further and came up with the idea of a tandem challenge. No mean feat considering the combined weight of some of the participants. Adding in a little healthy home nations rivalry, there is an English bike, a Welsh bike, an Irish bike and a Scottish bike. Doddie himself is hoping to join in for some of the ride and the team are more than happy for day riders to join them on their own bikes whilst passing through their locality. Peter Winterbottom (England) is joined by Roundhill Capitals President Paul Bashir, Craig Chalmers (Scotland) is joined by Portal Security owner Michael Goldie, Rhodri Mactee (Wales) & anyone who will cycle with him form the Welsh bike and Rob Henderson (Ireland) and MJ Mapps David Clein form the Irish bike. When an Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman are involved, it really is no joke, quipped Henderson, a director at Cannon Street based recruitment firm Deverell Smith. The MAMILs set off from Lands End on 16th September and are scheduled to reach John OGroats on 25th, saddle sore dependant! Hendo and I completed the recent Ride London as a little 100 mile tandem taster, but for Doddies tandem ride we will be doing nearly that distance every day for ten days, MJ Mapps MD David Clein explained. Fellow Scottish team mate and friend of Doddie, Craig Chalmers said further, The rugby fraternity have been hugely supportive of Doddie and his Foundations fund raising ambitions, but MND is indiscriminate and occurs in all walks of life. A sore backside for over a week is nothing to what those living with the disease live with every day. For information to join the ride e mail wints@rideofthelegends.co.uk and to sponsor please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG Twitter @Doddie5Ride
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