Collection: Doddie Ducks

THE FOUNDATION - My Name’5 Doddie 
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up in 2017 after local (to us) former Scotland and British & Irish Lions rugby legend Doddie Weir was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Sadly Doddie passed away in November 2023, his legacy continues and The Foundation carries on the work to fund research to find a cure for MND. 

Doddie was one of the most charismatic characters in rugby, his playing days coincided with the professionalisation of rugby union. Playing for Stewarts Melville FP, Melrose RFC, Newcastle Falcons, The Border Reivers as well as Scotland, The British & Irish Lions and The Barbarians, where his personality off the pitch matched his stature on the pitch. One of the most loved and respected people I have had the pleasure to know. 

To date the foundation has raised and given millions of pounds to those affected by MND and is making some real headway into research of the disease thanks to your support.
In July 2023 the Foundation published their research strategy announcement where together with Costello Medical they will develop a ‘Roadmap to Cure’ you can find out more about other developments, progress and how to help by checking in regularly to www.myname5doddie.co.uk or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

THE STORY - how the Doddie Ducks came into being - Most folk in the Borders knew Doddie, he had time for everybody and had a fantastic wit and sense of humour. When Doddie announced he had been diagnosed with MND I was busy beavering away getting the building the shop was going into refurbished and ready to open, it was a shock to everyone but his positive determination made everyone think if anyone could make a difference, Doddie could. 

In 2018, I myself was fairly unwell, a bit of a disaster following an operation saw me nil by mouth for almost 10 months, so I was awfully wrapped up in that until we saw Doddie and Kathy at the Royal Garden Party in July 2018. It just so happened to be Doddie’s 49th birthday that day and in typical Doddie humour, he thanked Her Majesty for holding the garden party in his honour. I was in a wheelchair at that time being wheeled around by my husband, it was a boiling hot day and when Doddie saw us he came over to say hello, ever the gentleman he asked all about my feeding tubes etc, telling me about progressive MND may mean he may require parenteral feeding at some point. He laughed when I told him I often put vodka shots into the tube and that I was sure a pint could be put in. He also spoke to everyone who came to speak with him and to shake his hand and wish him well. 

I was able to return to work in the shop in late summer 2019, I had ordered some tartan waistcoat Ducklings from our supplier DCUK for Christmas. When I was checking them over an idea developed - I could ask DCUK if they would make a bespoke product for me, one which I could sell and give the profit to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. I spoke with Dave from DCUK in early 2020 and we stated to discuss the project when Covid hit.

Bu August 2020 I managed to get the ball fully rolling with manufacture and by the end of November we had the first 500 Doddie Waistcoat Ducklings! I had to get a website set up to be able to sell them too - what an endeavour - however we got there, however a little hiccup saw the scheduled go live time of 8am on Dec 2nd 2020 change to Dec 1st at 11.30pm by the time I had noticed at 11.38pm 13 ducks had sold! When they did go live at 8am on Dec 2nd, 200 sold in 7 minutes! As it was my first ever foray into online selling there were a few glitches to sort out.

At 9.20am my daughter called to tell me there was a queue outside the shop, we opened at 10am and as we were still under covid restrictions, I was could only have 2 people in the shop at one time. I sold 90 in the shop that day and the next they were all gone (would have been in 1 day had there not been covid restrictions)! So On Dec 3rd I was asking to order the next 500! 

Then we made the Doddie Biker Duckling and then the Dinky Doddie Waistcoat Duck and the Dinky Doddie Biker Duck and then the Doddie Rugby Duckling - phew! 

I hope to be able to update this story with the total amount donated to the Foundation soon.

THE PRODUCT - Our ducks are made by DCUK (The Original Wooden Duck Company) and are hand carved in Indonesia from sustainable bamboo root and bear hand painted jerseys/boots/helmets/waistcoats (depending on the family member) in the foundation tartan, they also have a cotton name tag with My Name’5 Doddie.