“It’s a high-risk sport with high consequences,” says Davy. “I just focused on my breathing and the course in front of me. But there were so many emotions. Pulling on that starting gate was a magical moment. It has made me so proud that I’ve been able to break new ground for the MND community.” As he raced down the mountain, Davy was sporting a Doddie Weir tartan snood showing his commitment to the MND community and raising vital funds to support research.
Together with Berry Bros. & Rudd, which has supported
Davy throughout his time with the business and particularly his Paralympic dream, he has raised more than £700,000 – and plans are being hatched to push it over £1 million later this year. Lizzy Rudd, Chair of Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: “Davy is an inspiration to all of us at Berry Bros. & Rudd. I feel privileged that he’s part of our community and we’re determined to help raise awareness of MND and funding for vital research towards a cure.” If you would like to know more about Davy and his work together with Berry Bros. & Rudd” in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, or if you’d like to support his fundraising, please visit the page on the QR code or via www.justgiving.com/campaign/bbr26
Image: Paralympics GB
It is a measure of his competitive drive – and raw talent on a snowboard – that he compressed the usual four- to eight-year selection process into just 18 months, gathering enough points for selection to Team GB. “I was just so happy to be there,” says Davy. “Looking at my race results I knew I wasn’t in contention for a medal. I just wanted to finish and do my best.” But that was never going to be easy. MND means Davy needs as much oxygen as possible so coping with mountain air was just the first challenge. Then there was the course set for the Games – a steep run that pushed all the athletes to their limits. Davy himself sustained four broken ribs in a training crash two days before the race – a day that saw 10 other competitors end their Games in hospital.
just been diagnosed with MND. Doddie just gave me a massive bear hug and, from then on, we became close friends connected by this tragic coincidence.”
Breaking new ground
During the next two years, Davy ticked off a few bucket-list challenges, got married and moved back to Scotland. He told his friends and family about his diagnosis and set about raising awareness and money for MND research. Cycling Scotland’s North Coast 500 raised £300,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Then, two years ago, Davy’s dream of combining his passion for snowboarding with the challenge of becoming the first person with MND to compete at the Winter Paralympic Games began to take shape.
familybusinessuk.org 13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online