MEDITE SMARTPLY, the market-leading manufacturer of sustainable wood-based panels, has announced its headline sponsorship and active participation in the 2025 Doddie’5 Lions Challenge – a 555-mile charity cycle across Ireland in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MNDF).
With the active participation of the company’s Managing Director, Chris King, this initiative reflects MEDITE SMARTPLY’s ongoing commitment to community, wellbeing and meaningful action beyond the business. As the team prepares to ride in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir, this partnership highlights a shared mission to raise awareness and vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
Taking place from 14–20th June 2025, the ride will begin in Belfast and conclude in Dublin, passing through the four provinces of Ireland. Along the way, cyclists will visit The British & Irish Lions’ Origin Clubs, finishing in time for the 1888 Cup match between The British & Irish Lions and Argentina.
As a proud supporter of the Foundation and headline sponsor of the challenge, MEDITE SMARTPLY is honoured to contribute to this meaningful cause. With a company-wide fundraising target of £20,000, MEDITE SMARTPLY is supporting MNDF’s ambitious goal of raising £555,555.55 — 10% of which will be donated to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Leading by example, Managing Director Chris King will take on the endurance challenge himself, riding alongside over 50 participants, including Scottish rugby legend Kenny Logan, Doddie’s son Hamish Weir and a host of celebrities and former athletes. Kenny, who is heading up the ride, commented: “Doddie would want us to push harder and further in pursuit of a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.”
Among the well-known names joining the ride are Scottish football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan and Battlestar Galactica actor Jamie Bamber. The group will also include former rugby internationals Will Green and Mel Deane.
Commenting on his participation, Chris King, Managing Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY, said: “I have been aware of the great work that the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has been undertaking for several years now. The story of Doddie Weir is sad yet uplifting. His courage, drive and determination are truly humbling. The foundation continues in his name and their energy and passion to raise awareness of and ultimately find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease is inspirational…
Seeing that this year’s cycle challenge takes place in Ireland, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to help raise funds as a company and also challenge myself personally. Each year, MEDITE SMARTPLY selects a charity to focus our fundraising activities on for the year, and we are excited to be supporting the MNDF in 2025.”
The cycle route will also stop in Waterford, near the SMARTPLY mill, where MEDITE SMARTPLY will host a community evening at the local rugby club to raise awareness and funds, while celebrating the region’s involvement in this important campaign.
Doddie Weir, a former Scotland and British & Irish Lions international, launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in November 2017 following his diagnosis with MND. His shirt number, 5, has since become a powerful symbol for the Foundation’s mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure. For six years, Doddie tackled the disease with courage and optimism, driven by a desire to improve outcomes for others.
Though the world sadly lost Doddie in November 2022, his legacy lives on through the Foundation’s tireless work to support those affected by MND.
To support MEDITE SMARTPLY’s fundraising efforts as part of the Doddie’5 Lions Challenge, please donate here: https://uk.emma-live.com/doddie5lionscycle/individual_giving/medite-smartplys-fundraising-page
