Coll Hotel head chef Graham Griffiths – who is also a volunteer firefighter on the Hebridean island where it is based – is about to embark on an 800-mile cycle challenge to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease research.
Griffiths is joining a team taking on Doddie’s Triple Crown, which involves cycling from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, over four days between 10th and 13th March, under the auspices of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which was established by Scottish rugby legend – and MND sufferer – Doddie Weir.
Griffiths explained: “My uncle Crawford also lived on Coll. He battled MND for around a decade and I saw firsthand what he and his family had to face.”
Impressed by the efforts of Rob Wainwright, who founded the Doddie Aid mass participation fundraising event, Graham resolved to contribute.
“Rob’s part of our on call crew and part of our community. From setting up the Doddie Aid challenge, growing it, raising millions for research and raising awareness – it’s phenomenal what he’s achieved.
“Rob’s passion comes through and he’s also very persuasive at getting people on board. However, it’s such a worthwhile and important cause, it was easy for me to say yes to.”
The cycling team Graham will be joining consists of nine cyclists and a support team of five, and includes firefighters and staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
This is will be the third year the SFRS team from the East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute area has supported My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. By taking part in previous cycles, they have raised more than £50,000 for the charity.
Graham, however, is more a runner than a cyclist and is slightly apprehensive about the challenge.
“I’m very new to cycling. I’ve borrowed a bike and I’m getting some equipment. I’m used to running in all weathers, but I think it’s collectively cycling around 200 miles a day and maybe the thought of getting back on the bike for the third or fourth time that day – that will be a challenge.
He continued: “Some of the team and the other volunteer on call firefighters on the island are very good cyclists and I want to be an asset to the team, but I know I have their support. They’ve really helped me so far with my preparation.”
Coll Hotel owners Kevin, Julie and Laura Oliphant are also supporting Graham to take part in Doddie’s Triple Crown, just as they do with his on call work at SFRS.
Graham said: “Having the support from my employer enables me to not only volunteer as an on call firefighter but to also take part in Doddie’s Triple Crown challenge and at the moment, when I’m not in the kitchen, I’m on my bike.”
When the going gets tough during the challenge, Graham says he will find his ‘inner strength’ in memories of his uncle and Doddie Weir.
“Doddie was a true gentleman and a gentle giant. He was and still is, an inspiration to us all. When Doddie was first diagnosed, he took the time to visit my uncle when he was on the island.
“There will be times where I’ll need to dig deep. At those times I’ll be thinking of my uncle and Doddie Weir, remembering them, and what we’re all doing this for.”
SFRS Area Commander Joe McKay, who is team captain for the cycle team, added: “Graham will have all the support he needs from the team. This is our third Doddie Aid challenge, and we know how tough it can get. We are all in this together, raising money and awareness for such an important cause.”
To donate to the SFRS team taking on Doddie’s triple Crown, go to its JustGiving page.
