An extraordinary fundraising initiative is under way as United Auctions become custodians for a distinctive Tartan Suit that pays homage to the late Scottish rugby union legend Doddie Weir.
The eye-catching two-piece is embarking on a fundraising odyssey throughout the UK – and possibly worldwide – for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
It began with Prenton RUFC in Birkenhead, who honoured their club’s links to Weir with a tartan takeover charity event in September, raising an incredible £15,000 for the foundation.
The unique ensemble then travelled north to the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales where United Auctions, Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers, bid £2,000 for the suit during a charity auction held at a special Q&A event with former Scotland rugby captain, United Auctions’ customer and Coll farmer, Rob Wainwright who is an ambassador for the Foundation.
Rob Andrews, Prenton RFC Club member who initiated the special charity fundraiser Day with Doddie said: “I realised that the bid and donate concept for the Tartan Suit could be repeated, from rugby club to club initially, but Rob Wainwright has proved that there is a wide range of venues that could take part and send the suit on a journey to who knows where, raising awareness and funding and benefitting the foundation at each stop.”
Now, as the custodians trusted with the legacy of this Travelling Tartan Suit, United Auctions is poised to carry forward the momentum.
The Suit will be travelling to a specially selected Scottish rugby event with whom United Auctions has connections to raise even more vital funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation next year.
During its journey, each successive custodian of the suit will affix their badge or logo as a lasting token of their involvement so that the Tartan Suit will be adorned with the emblems of all its dedicated fundraising contributors, reflecting its unique journey.
Christopher Sharp, group director of United Auctions, said: “The Travelling Tartan Suit holds immense potential, transitioning between the realm of rugby to the farming industry seamlessly given their historical association in Scotland.
“The Suit will become a living story of the custodians and the journey it has undertaken to honour the memory of Doddie Weir, as well as raise important funds for MND research. It’s a great privilege to be part of this legacy.”
Rob Wainwright, who was a team-mate and friend of Doddie Weir, said: “This is a fantastic fundraising idea from Prenton RUFC, which is proving to have arms and legs!
“Two owners already and over £2,000 towards the fight against MND. Where will it go next? Just a pity it isn’t quite my size.”
Paul Thompson, director of fundraising and Communications at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’d like to thank Rob and everyone at Prenton RUFC for supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, both with this wonderful initiative and their other fundraising efforts.
“We’re always impressed by the levels of creativity of our supporters, and this is yet another example of that. The rugby community has been hugely supportive of the MND community, and we’re excited to see how many badges the suit accumulates as United Auctions sends the suit on its journey.”