Doddie fund boosts respite care
A £25,000 donation from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has enabled a charity to replace and upgrade equipment at its accessible self-catering holiday accommodation in Dirleton, East Lothian.
Leuchie is a national charity based in North Berwick supporting people living with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease, via respite breaks and other services.
In appreciation Leuchie has renamed the property as Doddie Weir House, at a visit by Doddie Weir’s wife, Kathy and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Trustee, former Scotland and Lions centre Scott Hastings and Leuchie Patron, Gavin Hastings, his elder brother who captained both Scotland and the Lions.
Kathy said: ”Having a holiday as a family was so important to us when Doddie was living with MND. It’s great that My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can support Leuchie to help families in a similar situation. He would be very proud to have the house named after him.”
Leuchie CEO, Mark Bevan, said: “A family break is something many of us enjoy, or even take for granted. But, if you have a physically disabled family member, there are very few truly accessible and highly equipped places to enjoy a break together.
“With the help of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Leuchie’s purpose-built self-catering house in Dirleton will enable any family which has a disabled member to enjoy a fantastic break together.
“Kathy Weir has talked about how important family holidays were for her, Doddie and the boys and how difficult these were towards the end because nowhere was equipped to meet their needs. Leuchie is proud to name the house in memory of Doddie and all that he stood for, including having a great time with family and friends.”
Pictured (L-R) Scott and Jenny Hastings, Paul Thompson, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising, Kathy Weir, Diane and Gavin Hastings, Lana Bambridge, Leuchie Director of Fundraising and Communications, and Mark Bevan, Leuchie CEO
To find out more about how you can book a respite holiday visit our webpage: https://www.leuchiehouse.org.uk/respite-breaks/our-short-breaks/accessible-self-catering