Introducing Kevin Greig - Support/Cyclist

What is your background?

Brought up in Midlothian, the son of a mining engineer and a medical secretary, I worked in the mining industry until it closed.  Worked in Policing for 27 years, then moved into the finance industry. 

Rugby player since the age of 12  and a keen sporting person. I am now too old for rugby, play the occasional game of golf, and enjoy gym and weights.

Passion and life revolve around family and friends. I have two children, daughter 30 and son 27. My son has followed me in rugby but is miles better than I ever was.  My daughter is a detective.

Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?

I lost my mother in 2005 from Motor Neuron Disease.  At that time, knowledge of the disease was very limited, as was the support provided to the families of those who had the disease.  I watched my father care for Mum for two years and struggled to get support or assistance, although those who were involved were incredibly brave and resilient and tried really hard to support the family with the limited resources they had.

I have been involved in charity fundraising for MND since 2005, running and fundraising.  I cycled in last year’s Doddie ride from Murrayfield to Cardiff.  I hate cycling and am like a bear on a trick cycle......... but I could not pass up the opportunity to get involved once again in this completely bonkers but very important awareness raising, charity event for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

How long have you been cycling?

I hate cycling, it is pointless when you have a motor cycle. But I have watched the tour de France for years with my father-in-law who was a keen cyclist, so great respect for those who are fit and brave enough. 

What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?

I am co-managing the end-to-end tour schedule with my friend Garry Sheret (Dalkeith player, so quite exceptional given local rivalry), who has done most of the work. I will cycle and have set myself a challenge of a minimum of 50 miles in each country.

How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?

It’s essential. As a superb rugby player, family man and such a great character he has given the momentum to the research against and support for those who have been impacted directly and through friends and family by MND.

He presents a public and humble image of a strong person inflicted by MND and has responded in a manner that can only be admired and respected.   He stands for all those who have gone before him and who currently struggle against the disease.

How important is it that we continue to raise funds for MND Foundation?

Without support from the Foundation, the research in combating this awful disease will continue, but it needs the support to gain momentum and ensure the mightily impressive research specialists quickly find the solutions and cures they seek.

What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?

The enthusiasm of all those involved, giving up their own time willingly for such a great cause; the hard graft by the cyclists preparing for the event; the support from the sponsors and donors along the way; and hearing the fantastic feedback from the raising awareness visits to schools resulting it them now taking an active part in the fundraising.

What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?

Raising awareness of why we are doing this daft challenge and raising loads of dosh for such a deserving charitable foundation bearing the great Doddie name.