Introducing our next cyclist - Sean Hadden

Sean’s Story

Hi, I am Sean Hadden, 29 years old and I’m from Edinburgh.

What is your background?

I played rugby for Lasswade from minis up until a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed being part of the team and was always excited to get running with the ball. I really liked the fitness and gym involved with rugby. I joined Lasswade Athletics at around 16 to help improve my speed. I have been going along ever since. 
I wanted to try a triathlon but I could do front crawl so I joined Edinburgh Triathletes to learn. This led to me doing a sprint triathlon then onto a couple of half Ironmans.I now have a big passion for endurance and a real itch to push myself to see what I am capable of.

Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?

A few people from Lasswade rugby club were getting involved with the Doddie Cup 555 ride from Cardiff to Edinburgh. I was asked to join the team and it was a daunting prospect but the thought of helping raise funds and challenging myself I couldn’t say no.

Seeing all these people come together for one goal was such an incredible experience. The support along the way and seeing some of the impact it is having was remarkable. Seeing all these people getting affected by MND really hit me deeply. To see how the deterioration takes hold and the restrictive life it brings to those with it and around it. I was able to make connections through the club and last year's ride, allowing me the opportunity to saddle up once again to help fight this awful disease. I couldn’t say no even if it is all the way to Rome.

How long have you been cycling?

I started cycling at around 16, I went to the Edinburgh velodrome once a week to do track league. So, all shorter stuff, not endurance, but great fun. I was then very on and off for a couple years. I was a spin instructor for a couple of years before Covid. Once covid hit, I started cycling more and more. Now I have the bug, and I am cycling daft.

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

I think the hardest part will be after a few days once the fatigue starts to hit. Getting back on the bike will become tough and the body will ache. Also recently the weather has been terrible so the chances of high winds or heavy rain seem high so that’ll be very tough. No matter what though it is nothing compared to what those with MND have to go through so we will keep pushing.

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

It is very important. He has brought so much attention to MND and he was loved by so many. A character like that could inspire so many. To remind people of who he was and what he did is so important in spreading the message and finding a cure.

How important is it that we continue to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?

All the funds raised are all the funds for the charity. It is important to keep raising funds to keep the research moving forward. Without it, all the great progress made already would be halted. 

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

The way that people have come together, we have a fantastic group of people working non stop getting this whole adventure organised. It has blown me away how great people can be. The work to plan the route and get as much engagement as possible, all while working full time, has motivated me to make sure I can do all I can for this challenge. 

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

In the end I would love to see all these funds go towards the target of finding a cure. If we could help the lives of those people affected, I would feel so privileged to have been able to help out even just a little. I want people all over to know what MND is, how many people are affected and what is being done to try to stop it.