port stars, including Olympic gold medalist Dame Catherine Grainger and former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright is going to race each other in a Doddie Weir charity rowing match in Edinburgh.
The event comes just months after the death of Weir, the former Scotland International who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in 2016.
Eight celebrity teams will compete on Saturday to see who can row the furthest in three hours on the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith.
The event is run by Doddie Aid, which was founded in 2020 by Weir’s former teammate Wainwright, and promotes mass sport in the UK.
It is the largest annual fundraising event for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds to fight motor neuron disease.
Six-time world rowing champion Dame Katherine, who won gold in the double sculls at the 2012 London Olympics, is one of many famous faces from rugby, television and the rest of the sporting world who will be on deck to cover as many miles as possible. make it possible to finance MND Research.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, she said: “Doddie Aid is an amazing event that brings so many people together through a shared passion for exercise, teamwork, camaraderie and a commitment to helping find a cure for MND.
“As the first event since Doddie’s death, this year’s event naturally takes on additional significance, and the tens of thousands of people who have already signed up and accumulated miles show how much people care about us.
“The Doddie Aid Britannia Regatta is the perfect centerpiece for Doddie Aid 2023 and will embody so much what Doddie stood for: hard work and unbridled fun.”
Doddie started something special and it is our responsibility to carry on his legacy
The Doddie Aid Britannia Regatta is open to teams competing from a distance in the UK, with participants being able to follow via live stream from the top deck of the Royal Yacht Britannia, with a leaderboard and prizes for those who wish to compete and support the cause from home , the gym, their local rugby club or anywhere with a rowing machine.
Wainwright added: “The Doddie Aid Britannia Regatta is particularly moving as it is the first since Doddie’s passing in November, but this only pushes us forward to continue to make progress and raise awareness of MND.
“It will be incredible to see everyone come together at the event, as well as those participating from home, the gym or wherever. Doddie started something special and it is our responsibility to carry on his legacy.”