Swinney signs up for charity fundraiser for motor neurone disease cure

The First Minister donned his running shoes in aid of a charity that helps those with a serious neurodegenerative condition.

On Friday at 11am, John Swinney met with representatives from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – a charity set up in honour of Doddie Weir, a Scottish rugby union player who died of motor neurone disease (MND) in 2022, aged 52.

Mr Swinney lent his support to the fundraising efforts of the charity, signing up to take part in Doddie Aid 2025 – a personal exercise challenge that begins on January 1, running for five weeks.

Money raised will go towards helping the charity support finding a cure for MND.

Participants pay £20 to enter and can choose from a wide range of exercises, including running, cycling, swimming, dancing and walking.

Mr Swinney met with Doddie’s supporters at Murrayfield Stadium, where he encouraged other Scots to get involved in the campaign, which is the charity’s largest to date.

“I want to make a personal contribution towards all of that by exercising a bit.

“I keep myself fit and healthy as much as possible to do when you’re First Minister, and this is a very good way to put some discipline into what I’m trying to do.”

Mr Swinney, who signed with team Scotland, joked: “I suspect it will be a matter of public disclosure how far I actually run over the course of January until February 5.”