Turriff tractor run organiser is named My Name’5 Doddie Foundation champion
A fundraiser has been recognised for her immense efforts at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Anniversary Dinner.
Annie Kenyon of Annie Kenyon Architects received the Doddie Champion Award for her work in raising money to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) since she lost her mum to it in 2021.
She said: “It is an absolute honour to receive the Doddie Champion Award to recognise my efforts - however it really is a team effort and I’m so thankful to the amazing people that got involved.”
Earlier this summer, Annie was one of the lead organisers of the Sandy Duffus’ Tractor Run, alongside Kim Tedcastle and Chris Powell of CC Powell.
Together, with the loan of the Doddie iCON - a tartan-wrapped JCB tractor - they set out to raise as much money as they could for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
They successfully raised an incredible £80,069 which will be used by the foundation to better understand the disease and find a cure.
The tractor run was held in support of Sandy Duffus - a well-known and respected man amongst the north-east agricultural community - who was diagnosed with MND at the start of the year.
More than 250 tractors followed Sandy as he drove the Doddie iCON, leading the convoy from Turriff to Inverurie on August 14.
A week prior to the event, Annie and the team presented the same tractor in the main ring at the annual Turriff Show - creating awareness of MND and encouraging showgoers to donate to the foundation.
Sandy said: “Seeing all the farmers come out and support the tractor run that day was utterly amazing - it truly demonstrates what a supportive community we have.
“I hope that the awareness created makes a noticeable difference towards finding a cure.
“May I encourage everyone to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – as the money raised goes directly into the research that aims to find a cure.
“A huge thank you to all those who donated, attended the tractor run and to the organisers behind the scenes for bringing the event to life.”
Kenny Logan, Scottish rugby player and former teammate of Doddie Weir, said: “It was fantastic to see the Aberdeenshire farming community rally round for Sandy and to raise such an incredible amount for the Doddie foundation this summer. The more awareness and funds raised, the closer we can get to finding a cure.”
Annie added: “Prior to the incredible tractor run we held in the summer - an event that will forever be in our hearts - we held a Donate a Tonne for Doddie campaign at the 2023 Turriff Show, as well as my partner Duncan’s cycle to Paris last year, and thanks to the help of Megan Stephen - a dinner dance at the P&J Live - which will take place again next year.
“The fundraising events have, so far, raised in the region of £250,000 and I aim to continue working with those involved until we find a cure.
“I was fortunate enough to meet Doddie Weir and will forever be grateful for all he has done in the MND community.
“Mum and Doddie, both taught me to live every day to the fullest and do everything with a bit of a smile - as you just don’t know what is around the corner.”
Visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk for more information on motor neurone disease and to get involved in raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
