A GROUP of self confessed ‘ageing and over weight’ retired rugby players from Ipswich have completed an epic 400 mile cycling trip to raise money for the My name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Inspired by the MND Warriors Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and fund raising heroes like Kevin Sinfield they set themselves the considerable challenge of cycling from Ipswich Rugby Club to Melrose Rugby Club.
And when Kevin Sinfield heard about their plans he sent them a video message. He said: “I just wanted to wish all the lads from the All4MND 400 miles cycle team the bets of luck on your incredible challenge.
“I know you were inspired by our good mates, Doddie, Ed and Rob and I wish you all the very best.
“You are doing an amazing job inspired by some amazing people. Enjoy the ride with your mates and good luck.”
And last Tuesday September 12 the 32 cyclists and eight support crew set off from Ipswich Rugby Club and headed to the Scottish Borders via Leicester Tigers Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Stadium Headingley, Newcastle Falcons Kingston Park Stadium and Melrose Rugby Club, the clubs that are closely associated with Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Ed Slater.
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The group also wanted to take in a game but as Melrose were away from home, Bruce ‘Happiness is Egg Shaped’ Aitchison arranged for them to visit Selkirk for the game against Jed-Forest.
The fitter members of the team arrived just before kick off and were treated to 100 points as the Souters won 65-35.
Organiser Oliver Hall said: "The legs are still recovering but it was great fun and we all loved every second of the trip.
“When Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND there was a video of him and his three children.
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“It’s a really powerful image as I’m about the same age as Rob and I have three girls so it resonated with me.
“So 32 of us decided to make the trip with a support crew of eight, so 40 in total. Our youngest rider is 32 and the oldest 67.
“We received a great welcome at Selkirk and the Cycling Souters came out to meet our top boys who arrived in time for kick off.
“I got there at half time. We stayed in Melrose overnight and visited The Greenyards on Sunday morning.
“So far we have raised £150,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and £10,000 for the 4ED campaign for Ed Slater who was a team mate of one of riders at Gloucester,
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“As Doddie Weir said MND is not incurable, but it is underfunded and I think it's up to us. The more we can do now for the rugby community, and those who are going to be diagnosed, the better."
The ride was supported by Combat 2 Coffee, Lifecycle, Gorewear, and Awesome Supplements, among others.
To donate, visit the Justgiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/all4mnd40
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