Sean Wratten will normally be fixing bikes around Marlborough. Making sure that our cycles are working properly, in good order and able to do what we want of them whether it’s off-road downhill, fast road, or just trundling along to Tesco. But this week he’s in Scotland supporting – and fixing – the bikes being used on Doddie’s Grand Tour 2025. A now-annual ‘endurance challenge’, this year’s tour is in the form of an 800 mile bike ride starting in Dublin and finishing in Edinburgh, led by former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright. All to raise as much money as possible in memory of fellow Scottish international Doddie Weir and his ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.
Rob Wainwright, 59, former doctor and army veteran is leading the 300-strong team of cyclists on this sixth consecutive year’s major challenge in support of the foundation, which Doddie Weir OBE established following his motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis in 2016. Weir died in 2022 at the age of 52.
Sean is there to keep those bikes on the road. He’s also asking for support for the foundation as – in his words: “I was inspired to get involved after witnessing the devastating and indiscriminate impact of Motor Neurone Disease, which can affect even the fittest individuals, like Doddie Weir. Seeing the incredible work that Rob Wainwright and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation are doing to raise awareness and fund vital research, I felt compelled to do everything I could to support the cause.”
This year’s event is the final part of Doddie Aid, the mass participation founded by Wainwright in 2021, that so far has raised more than £5m for MND research.
Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “Rob’s determination to push himself through these immense challenges year after year is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to helping those affected by MND is truly inspiring.
“Every penny raised through Doddie’s Grand Tour will go directly towards supporting the Foundation as we fund research we hope will develop effective treatments – and, ultimately, a cure for MND. We urge everyone to get behind this event and support the riders in any way they can.”
To support Sean in his efforts for raising money and donate to Doddie’s Grand Tour, visit here. For more information about My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, visit here.
Sean will be sending updates on the tour as it wends its way along the Irish and then Scottish roads towards the final mile in Edinburgh, reaching there just in time so that all the riders – many former rugby Internationals – will be able to catch the kick-off of the England v France rugby International from Twickenham.
As noted above, Sean’s more regularly found fixing bikes around here, Marlborough. With over 25 years of professional experience, SW Cycle Workshop offers expert bike repairs, servicing, event support, and kids’ ride coaching. Whether it’s a simple tune-up, a full service, or mechanical support for endurance events, Sean brings a passion for cycling and a commitment to top-quality workmanship.
Contact Sean on swcycleworkshop@gmail.com or 07854 498941