A host of big names worldwide pledged to do their bit to boost the coffers of the charity

More than £2 million has been raised by fundraisers including Lewis Capaldi and Ewan McGregor in just six weeks in honour of Doddie Weir after the former rugby star passed away after a battle with MND.

Around 40,000 people are thought to have been part of the six weeks of running, rowing and riding for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, set up by the Scots legend.

A host of big names worldwide pledged to do their bit to boost the coffers of Doddie's charity - with people taking part in the fundraiser including Olympians Dame Katherine Grainger and Sir Chris Hoy, actors McGregor and Ryan Reynolds, musician Capaldi and television stars Jason Fox and Gabby Logan, as well as a host of rugby stars past and present.

Doddie Aid, takes place over the first six weeks of every year from January 1.

Organisers say this year’s fundraising total is double last year’s figure.

More than £4 million has been raised as a direct result of Doddie Aid since the event was founded by former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright.

The 2023 event came to its conclusion when Wainwright and a team of rugby stars transported the match ball for the Doddie Weir Cup – Scotland’s Six Nations fixture against Wales last weekend – from Cardiff to Murrayfield by bike.

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’s director of fundraising Paul Thompson said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped to raise this incredible sum of money, which we will be able to commit to ground-breaking research into motor neurone disease.

“It was our first Doddie Aid since Doddie’s death, and the response has been immense. What’s even more heartening is how many people are planning to do major fundraisers in the months ahead.

“We won’t stop until we’ve delivered Doddie’s legacy of a world free of MND.”