Council flies the flag in support of Doddie Aid 2022 challenge

Published: 28th January 2022

Five people stand beside a flag that is being held up. One man is in a wheelchair.
Flying the flag for Doddie Aid 2022

We're flying the Team South Doddie Aid flag outside Council Headquarters between 28 January and 14 February.

This is in honour of the thousands of people across the south of Scotland who are taking part in this year’s Doddie Aid fitness challenge on behalf of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

The flag was raised at a ceremony on 28 January where our Convener, Councillor David Parker (and his guide dog Clive) were joined by:

  • Doddie Weir OBE
  • Doddie's wife Kath
  • former Scotland scrum half Gary Armstrong OBE
  • Councillor Sandy Aitchison

In a further show of support, the Headquarters Tower will be floodlit each evening in the Foundation’s distinctive blue and yellow colours.

Doddie Aid 2022 fitness challenge

Doddie Aid is a mass participation event involving people in Scotland, the UK and further afield who have all made the commitment to get active in January and early February in support of the Foundation’s aim of finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND.) It was founded by former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lion, Rob Wainwright, and raised a staggering £1m in January 2021 with over 27k people taking part.

The challenge culminates on Saturday 12 February with the playing of the Doddie Weir Cup when Scotland take on Wales at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff in this year’s Six Nations Championship.

Doddie Weir OBE

“I want to pay tribute to the thousands of people who have signed up for Doddie Aid and who are raising vital funds towards finding a cure for MND. The south of Scotland has been doing well notching up the miles, getting active and having lots of fun. It is fantastic that both Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council will be flying a flag in support of Doddie Aid.”

Councillor David Parker, Convener

“SBC is delighted to show our support for Doddie Aid and in honour of the incredible commitment of those taking part and doing what they can to help the Foundation. A great many Borderers have taken up the challenge which has not only helped us to become fitter and more active, but more importantly is raising much needed funds for this vital cause. We are pleased to be playing our part in recognising their efforts in this way.”

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Executive Member for Sustainable Development

“With our neighbours in Dumfries and Galloway Council also flying a flag and lighting a building in support of Doddie Aid, it really is fantastic to see both Councils in the south of Scotland acknowledging the marvellous efforts of those taking part in this incredibly worthwhile fundraising challenge.”

Show your support and get involved

For more information about the Foundation and to find out how to take part in Doddie Aid and other fundraising initiatives, visit the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation website.

Donations can also be made directly to the Team South of Scotland JustGiving page.

More information

Images are available on our Flickr page.