Firefighter takes part in Doddie's Triple Crown challenge in memory of his uncle
A firefighter is taking part in a gruelling challenge in memory of his uncle and to fundraise for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Graham Griffiths is a volunteer on call firefighter on the Island of Coll, and he is also the head chef at the Coll Hotel.
Next month, Graham is joining a team to take part in Doddie's Triple Crown, an 800-mile cycle from Melrose to Dublin which will take place over four days, 10-13 March for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Graham’s uncle passed away in August 2021, he was 69 and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) when he was 61.
Graham said: “My uncle Crawford also lived on Coll. He battled MND for around a decade and I saw firsthand what he and his family had to face.”
The team Graham will be joining consists of nine cyclists and a support team of five and includes firefighters and staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
This is the third year the SFRS team from the East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute area has supported My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, a charity founded by Doddie Weir, which fundraises to help find a cure for MND. By taking part in previous cycles they have raised more than £50,000 for the charity.
Doddie's Triple Crown follows on from Doddie Aid, which is a mass participation event, founded by British and Irish Lion Rob Wainwright, who is also a volunteer on call firefighter on the island of Coll.
Since Doddie Aid's inception in 2021, more than £6million has been raised for MND research and more than 100,000 people have taken part.
Last year’s event raised £1.35million and there were more than 13,000 participants.
Graham is more a runner than a cyclist and he is slightly apprehensive about the challenge.
He said: “I’m very new to cycling. I’ve borrowed a bike and I’m getting some equipment. I’m used to running in all weathers, but I think it’s collectively cycling around 200 miles a day and maybe the thought of getting back on the bike for the third or fourth time that day – that will be a challenge. Doing that for four days in a row, I can see fatigue setting in.”
However, Graham knows he can rely on the support of his team around him; there will be other volunteer on call firefighters from the island by his side.
He said: “Some of the team and the other volunteer on call firefighters on the island are very good cyclists and I want to be an asset to the team, but I know I have their support. They’ve really helped me so far with my preparation.”
Graham has also seen the efforts of Doddie Aid founder Rob Wainwright, who has grown the event from strength to strength and has carried on the inspiring work started by his friend Doddie Weir.
He said: “Rob’s part of our on call crew and part of our community. From setting up the Doddie Aid challenge, growing it, raising millions for research and raising awareness - it’s phenomenal what he’s achieved. Rob’s passion comes through and he’s also very persuasive at getting people on board. However, it’s such a worthwhile and important cause, it was easy for me to say yes to.”
Graham balances being a volunteer on call firefighter with his work as a chef at the Coll Hotel. Having the support of his employer enables him to provide on call support for the SFRS. The hotel owners Kevin, Julie and Laura Oliphant are also supporting Graham to take part in Doddie's Triple Crown.
Graham said: “Having the support from my employer enables me to not only volunteer as an on call firefighter but to also take part in Doddie's Triple Crown challenge and at the moment, when I’m not in the kitchen, I’m on my bike.”
When the going gets tough during the challenge, Graham knows where he will find his inner strength.
He said: “Doddie was a true gentleman and a gentle giant. He was and still is, an inspiration to us all. When Doddie was first diagnosed, he took the time to visit my uncle when he was on the island.
“There will be times where I’ll need to dig deep. At those times I’ll be thinking of my uncle and Doddie Weir, remembering them, and what we’re all doing this for.”
SFRS Area Commander Joe McKay is the team captain for the cycle team. He said: “Graham will have all the support he needs from the team. This is our third Doddie Aid challenge, and we know how tough it can get. We are all in this together, raising money and awareness for such an important cause.”
Further information:
Doddie Aid: Doddie Aid 2026
Doddie's Triple Crown 2026 Doddie’s Triple Crown
Donate to SFRS cycle team: Doddie's Fire Team is fundraising for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Read more about becoming an on call firefighter: On call firefighter | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and see our On Call Guide for Employers
The SFRS Doddie's Triple Crown team is made up of the following participants:
RIDERS: Joe McKay, Barrie McCutcheon, William Wilson, Mark Wilson, Allan MacIntyre, Rod Shaw, Andy McGregor, Adrian Rice, Graham Griffiths
SUPPORT: Ross Watson, Rob Taylor, Tony McGloin, Gareth Strang, Davie Boyd