In 2018, my twin brother Davy was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND)—a relentless, incurable condition that eventually strips away the body’s ability to move, speak, and then breathe. Davy has faced this cruel diagnosis with unshakable strength and courage, which is a constant source of inspiration to me.

In honour of his fight—and to support the thousands already battling MND and those who will face it in the future—I’m taking on a monumental challenge: a European cycling odyssey through some of the continent’s highest and demanding alpine roads.

Together with many of Davy’s friends and colleagues from the wine industry, we will cycle from Beaune in Burgundy to Barolo in northern Italy—600km across punishing mountain passes. This isn’t just a ride; it’s a test of endurance, unity, and purpose.

We’re doing this to raise vital funds and awareness for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation—an organisation fighting to give MND the research funding it so desperately needs. Because here’s the truth:

MND isn’t incurable. It’s underfunded.

We don’t want your sympathy. We want your support.

Every kilometre we ride, every penny you donate, helps us push back against this disease. It helps Davy. It helps the next family that gets this devastating diagnosis. And it brings us closer to the day we consign this bastard disease to the history books.

So please, give what you can.

We ride for Davy. We ride for Doddie. We ride in defiance of this diagnosis.

The Lioness of Leith is hosting a special event on Sunday 31st August from 12pm. Join us for a special day of great food, community spirit, and your chance to win some incredible prizes – all in support of MND research 💙💛

✨ Prizes up for grabs include:

🎉 Laura Bond jewellery voucher £250🤯

🍺 2 x cases of Moonwake IPA

🍺 Case of Campervan

🍺 Case of Pilot👨‍✈️

🍷 Bottle of Poggio Lamentano 2022👌🏻

🥃 Aberfeldy Whisky, 16 year

🥃 Glenrothes

🥃 Daftmill 2011!! 🤯

🍺 Fierce Beer tasting experience for 2

🍷 Royal Marine Tawny Port

🍽️ Meal & drinks at The Lioness for 4

🍽️ Meal and drinks at Tapa for 2

⚡️ Electric Gin gift set 💪🏻

👕 Ride for MND limited edition T-shirt

🌵 Dutch barn vodka and Pantalones organic tequila

☕ 1 bag of Carter Coffee

✨ New prizes being added daily!

📌 How to enter?

The raffle is £5 a ticket. To be in with a chance of winning, simply donate £5 (or more) to our JustGiving page with the word RAFFLE in your message. Remember to leave your full name. We’ll draw the raffle on Sunday 31st and will be in touch with the lucky winners! 🎟️

Come down, enjoy our one-day-only special menu, and grab your raffle tickets for a chance to win while helping raise funds for a vital cause.

📅 When: Sunday 31st August

📍 Where: The Lioness of Leith

Thank you to all our amazing sponsors