Lanarkshire boy, 10, 'relentlessly' raises £5,000 for Motor Neurone Disease charity

A Lanarkshire primary school pupil is following in the footsteps of his dad by taking part in a physically demanding challenge for charity.

Harvey Dooher, aged just 10, is in the final stretch of a month-long challenge that has seen him run 5 km and complete 100 press-ups every day this month (January) to raise vital funds for motor neuron disease (MND) research - and by the end he would have ran 155km in total and gritted his way through an impressive 3,100 press-ups.

It is all in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation - a charity who says they are committed to creating a "world free of MND". For Harvey, the charity is close to home as his dad, David, also took part in a mammoth challenge for the worthy cause.

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Back in June 2023, David carried a 100 kg barbell to the summit of Ben Nevis to raise money for the charity.

Harvey is now challenging people across the UK to join him for the final days to add to the thousands he’s already raised for the charity founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE, who died from MND in 2022.

The youngster from Uddingston, who has been praised on social media by Rob Wainwright OBE and Jason Fox, said: "I’ve had messages from people who’ve lost family members to MND, and they’ve told me how much this means to them. That makes everything worth it. If this helps even one family feel like people care, then I know I’ve done something good.

"I’ve been counting down the days, but not because I want it to end – I just want to see how much we can all do together before the time runs out. I’d love for as many people as possible to join me in running a 5k and doing 100 press-ups for Doddie in these final days. Even if you’ve not been involved so far, now’s your chance."

His dad, David, 39, has been by his side throughout the challenge, joining him for daily runs and supporting him through the toughest moments.

David added: "I knew he was determined, but I don’t think any of us realised just how relentless he could be. Every day, rain or shine, he laced up his trainers and got on with it.

"He’s battled through freezing temperatures and the mental challenge of showing up day after day. I genuinely couldn’t be more proud. This challenge has never been about him – it’s always been about helping others.

"Please join me in rallying behind him, whether that’s by donating your £20 and signing up for Doddie Aid, or even just sending him a message of support."

It’s all part of Doddie Aid, a mass participation event, started by former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright. The annual challenge sees thousands of people log miles throughout January to raise funds for MND research. This year’s campaign has been backed by sporting legends including Sir Chris Hoy, Ally McCoist, and Kenny Logan.

British and Irish Lion, Rob Wainwright OBE said: "David Dooher climbed Ben Nevis with 100 kg on his shoulders, which is just an extraordinary achievement – top prize for daftness, fantastic thing he did.

"And now, a chip off the old block, his son Harvey, throughout the course of the 31 days, is running a 5K and doing 100 press-ups every day. That’s a pretty tough ask from a young guy.

"I’m sure you are finding it tough, Harvey, but hard things in life are the things that matter, and what you’re doing is extraordinary. And there’s a huge amount of support for you out there. Anyone that sees this - just a couple of pounds of support to keep Harvey going. To Harvey: keep going, you’re doing amazing things, and you’re a real inspiration to us all out there. And you’re helping us find a way to put an end to MND. Thank you!"

Commenting on Harvey’s challenge, former Marine Commando and UK Special Forces soldier Jason Fox added: "I was blown away by the mental and physical resilience of Harvey, at only 10 years old he's shown what can be achieved if you get your head down and crack on. Yes, things will get tough and you'll want to give up, but that's when you must keep going and pull yourself through."

Harvey’s JustGiving page can be found here.

To sign up for Doddie Aid and take part in the final push, visit Doddie Aid’s website.

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