Determined fundraiser Chris Harvie is on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to his heart.

He is cycling literally from Murrayfield to Malta to raise funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease which claimed his brother-in-law’s life.

Chris explained: “I’m raising funds for the ‘My Name’s Doddie Foundation’ - a charity committed to the raising of funds to help those with Motor Neurone Disease and find a cure. They fund grants giving considerable sums to the MND Association and MND Scotland.”

The foundation was set up by Doddie Weir who passed away with MND last year.

“His positive attitude has inspired me to do this,” said Chris, who is retired and from Dukinfield.

Chris is heading for the French Alps and into Italy

“Also watching the documentary about Rob Burrows and the efforts of his family prompted me into action. My lovely brother in law Michael, not a greatly sporty person, but as fit as a fiddle, passed with this disease.”

Other high profile sports people that have suffered or are suffering from this disease are Fernando Ricksen and Joost van der Westhuizen.

“One of my favourite sports people and a friend and colleague, whom I know dedicated her life to introducing young people to sport in schools and gave up so much of her free time to do so, also developed Motor Neurone Disease,” added Chris.

“So those are just some of the reasons I want to try and do my bit,” he said.

Chris is now in the middle of his challenge, having reached the French Alps and crossing over into Italy, having cycled more than 1,000 miles.

He set off from Edinburgh last month, reaching Portsmouth and then sailing over to Ouistreham in Northern France.

Chris is cycling from Murrayfield to Malta for MND 

He has cycled down through France, reaching the French Alps, and will now head through Italy, Sicily and then over to Malta on the ferry.

He anticipates it will take him another three or so weeks to complete.

“I’m doing this at a leisurely pace, enjoying the experience on the way,” added the 67-year-old.

“My friends and family think I am bonkers but are fully supportive. Having had first hand experience of how this horrible disease can impact on a person and their family, I fully intend to ‘give it a go’.

“I realise there have been many very deserving causes this last year but I would appreciate any donation to this cause. If you would like to sponsor me there is plenty of time to do so.”

If you would like to support Chris, you can find his Justgiving page by searching ‘Murrayfield to Malta for MND’ or at https://www.justgiving.com/page/christopher-harvie-1677491322668 

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