Hamish Weir has been named Scotland captain for Doddie Aid 2026, an annual mass-participation fundraising event founded by former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright. 

His ‘rival’ captains for Doddie Aid include podcaster Archie Curzon for the England team, rugby star Edel McMahon for Ireland, and broadcaster Laura-Jane Jones for Wales. 

The challenge, which begins on January 1, encourages people across the UK and beyond to log miles in any form of exercise – from swimming and cycling to running, golf, dog walking or simply getting outside – to raise funds for MND research. 

Doddie Aid 2025, raised a  £1.35 million for cutting edge motor neuron disease (MND) research projects.  

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has now committed around £20m to fund pioneering research in the search for effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for MND. 

Weir 24 said: “This feels like my time to step up, not just as Doddie’s son, but as someone who wants to carry on what he started. 

“The Foundation is deeply personal to me, my mum, my brothers – it sits deep within us. Keeping that connection alive really matters. If we can help in any small way, we have to do it. 

“I’ve been given a platform – wherever I can help, I will. I know how horrible and cruel this illness is, and I don’t want any other family to go through what we did. I’ll always laugh and joke – that’s in Dad’s DNA – but there’s a serious goal here. We want a world free of MND. 

“Get signed up. Then get someone else signed up. Two, three, four people – that’s how it starts. Once you’re in that team environment, it becomes infectious. That’s how we’ll keep Dad’s legacy alive – and hopefully one day find a cure.” 

Paul Thompson, director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “Hamish stepping forward as Scotland captain is a powerful moment. 

“It shows that Doddie’s legacy continues in the next generation, and we’re all working together to achieve his ultimate aim of a world free of MND. 

“This year, inclusion is at the heart of Doddie Aid – whether someone walks a mile with their dog or cycles across the country, every contribution matters.” 

Anyone interested in taking part can find out more at https://doddieaid.com/