Story
I'm taking on a brutal challenge in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
While I have no personal connection to MND, I’m a huge rugby fan. Watching heroic legends of the game like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater go from being fitter than fit - doing incredible things with their bodies - to experiencing such devastating decline is heartbreaking.
I strongly believe that if you’re lucky enough to be able to use your body, you should push it, challenge it, and experience life to the max.
So here’s my challenge: 17,402 step-ups on a 20-inch box (the height of Everest), followed immediately by a half marathon, all while carrying 50lbs. I estimate it will take between 30-40 hours of nearly continuous effort.
It’s going to be physically and mentally exhausting - but I know I’m incredibly lucky to be able to take this on. There are many who, if they could, would do it a thousand times over to take back what MND has taken from them.
MND is relentless. It strips people of their strength, their independence, and eventually their lives. There’s still no cure - but the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is working hard to change that by funding research and supporting those affected.
I’m inspired by Doddie Weir’s courage, and I want to do my part to honour that fighting spirit - one step at a time.
If you can spare a few pounds, it would mean the world. Let’s take a step closer to beating MND for good.