Jimmy Nesbitt and Sam Warburton to captain teams in star-studded line up for charity fundraiser
01/02/2025 08:23 AM
The Cold Feet and The Hobbit actor Jimmy Nesbitt, 59, has been unveiled as a captain for Doddie Aid 2025, one of the world’s biggest fundraising events for motor neuron disease (MND) research.
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Representing Ireland, Nesbitt will co-captain alongside Ireland and Exeter Chiefs rugby star Edel McMahon in the revamped four-nations format.
From Portrush to the pitch: Nesbitt’s MND mission
A proud supporter of the MND community, Nesbitt has lent his star power to major initiatives like Kenny Logan's Rugby World Cup Challenge in 2023, which raised over £850,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. His dedication was recognised in 2024 when he was named a Doddie Champion at the Foundation's Annual Awards Dinner.
Ally, Anton, and… Du Beke? Celebrity captains unite
Doddie Aid 2025 promises its biggest event yet, with each home union represented by two celebrity captains:
- Scotland: Ally McCoist and Lorraine Kelly
- England: Anton Du Beke and Gabby Logan
- Wales: Sam Warburton and Laura-Jane Jones
- Ireland: Jimmy Nesbitt and Edel McMahon
Racking up the miles for MND research
Since its inception in 2021, Doddie Aid – founded by former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright – has raised over £5 million for MND research. Participants across England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland will compete to log miles by walking, running, cycling, and swimming, all through the Doddie Aid app.
The 2025 edition introduces a new app for tracking activities and boasts a revamped four-nations competition format. Thousands have already signed up to contribute to the Foundation’s efforts, which have committed over £18 million to MND research since rugby legend Doddie Weir's passing in 2022.
Join the movement
To be part of Doddie Aid 2025, download the app or visit doddieaid.com. Learn more about the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation at myname5doddie.co.uk.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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