Kathy Weir, 55, will be among hundreds of riders participating in Doddie’s Triple Crown 2026 next month.

It is the latest edition of former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright OBE’s annual endurance challenges in support of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

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“This is probably the first year I’ve felt mentally ready to take on something like this,” said Kathy. “I don’t know about physically – but mentally, yes.

“After Doddie died, I probably wasn’t in a great place. I’d tell everyone I was fine, but I was exhausted, mentally and physically. It was emotional, and it was public. It’s taken time.

“Last year I joined for the final stage and that helped. Now I’m at a place where I’m happy to do anything I can to help raise the profile for Rob, the foundation, and for the whole MND community.”

Kathy Weir and Rob Wainwright together for the launch of Doddie’s Triple Crown cycling challenge (Image: Craig Watson)

Weir launched his charity after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

It has now committed more than £20 million to research as the search for a cure for MND continues.

The four-day cycling challenge begins on Tuesday, March 10, in Melrose.

It will see teams cycle nearly 750 miles across Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland – the nations who contest the Six Nations Triple Crown – before arriving in Dublin on the eve of Scotland’s clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

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Kathy has been training on roads around the Borders, covering up to 100 miles a week.

She will ride as part of a five-person relay team, which includes her niece Charlotte Dun, called Five Hearts One Cause. 

She said: “I’m a cyclist – but usually a summer cyclist. Rob keeps reminding us you don’t just ride a bike when it’s sunny – apparently we’re doing this in wet and windy weather too.

“You can’t rest tired legs when you’re riding four days on the bounce. There will be tough parts – but we’re doing it for a reason.”

Kathy Weir and son Ben in Italy at the culmination of the All Roads Lead To Rome challenge in 2024 (Image: Craig Watson)

Wainwright, Doddie’s friend and former teammate, has now led seven fundraising rides since 2020.  

He said: “It has to be painful. Three 180 to 200-mile days in a row is relentless. 

“It’s immensely positive to see Doddie’s family continuing the work he started. To turn something so painful into something forward-looking and positive – I’ve got enormous respect for Kathy and the boys.”

Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said Kathy stepping up to take on the full challenge was “incredibly powerful”.

Last year’s event, Doddie’s Grand Tour 2025, raised more than £1 million for research. 

To donate or follow the ride, visit the JustGiving page.