Pedalling with purpose: Gordon takes on Doddie’5 Lions Challenge

This Sunday, Gordon Wilson will be trading boardrooms for bike routes as he takes on an epic 555-mile cycle across Ireland in memory of the late, great Doddie Weir, and in support of vital motor neuron disease (MND) research.

Gordon is one of over 50 riders taking part in Doddie’5 Lions Challenge, a gruelling, week-long endurance event inspired by the iconic spirit of a British & Irish Lions tour. The team will cycle from Belfast to Dublin, passing through some of Ireland’s most iconic rugby heartlands, covering an average of 100 miles per day for six consecutive days.

Alongside Gordon will be an incredible line up of riders, including Scottish football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan, actor Jamie Bamber, rugby podcaster Archie Curzon, former Ireland A international Mel Deane, and ex-Wasps prop Will Green, many of whom have personal connections to the MND community.

The event aims to raise over £500,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. It will culminate at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, where the team will deliver the match ball ahead of the British & Irish Lions’ fixture vs Argentina on 20th June for the 1888 Cup.

For Gordon, this is more than a cycling challenge, it’s a personal commitment to carry forward the legacy of a man who brought passion, purpose and humour to everything he did. “Doddie was a true inspiration,” Gordon says. “His strength and spirit continue to inspire so many of us. I’m honoured to play a small part in furthering the work he started.”

The challenge is no small feat. With over 9,800 metres of elevation across the week, and daily calorie burns reaching up to 10,000, the riders must rely not only on their physical preparation, but also on teamwork, resilience and determination.

The motivation is clear. Since launching in 2017, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has committed nearly £20 million to MND research, with a bold strategy focused on catalysing a cure. Yet with no effective treatment currently available, continued support and funding remain essential.

We’re incredibly proud of Gordon and all those taking part in this extraordinary effort. Every mile matters, and every donation brings us one step closer to finding a cure.

To support Gordon and contribute towards life changing MND research, please donate here.