WHILE thousands run, cycle and walk to raise funds to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) during Doddie Aid, one Scot has taken a rather different approach.
Doddie Aid was founded by former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lion Rob Wainwright which has raised over £2 million for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Legendary rugby player Doddie Weir died last November after a battle with MND.
Now, Gareth Easton, owner of Pie, in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders is hoping to raise significant funds through his baking.
After perfecting his pie recipe during lockdown, the 49-year-old former professional photographer changed careers to open Pie in June 2022.
The owner is giving back by donating a portion of sales of two new products for his fellow borderer’s charity.
Easton said: “Everyone loves pies, and everyone loves Doddie, so they’ve been incredibly popular.
“Like everyone in the community, we’ve been extremely inspired by Doddie Weir and wanted to help any way we could.
“And since baking pies and cookies is what we do best, that’s how we’ve decided to try to make a difference.”
From each chicken and haggis pie sold until February 11, £1 will be donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
As well as this, 50p from each “Doddie Crunch” cookies, which have a yellow and blue coating, will also help the charity find a cure for MND.
Easton’s pie obsession started following a trip to New Zealand, during which he was inspired by the quality of pies on offer.
He added: “Our pies are handmade – everything is made from scratch. Our ingredients are of the highest quality. We’re often told that our pies are the best our customers have tasted.
“The community has been so supportive to us, so we want to give back. We’re proud to be able to do our bit to support a charity that everyone in the local area cares deeply about.”
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation director Paul Thompson said: “Doddie touched everyone across the UK and beyond, but the impact he’s had in the Borders is second to none.
“It’s incredible to see how the local community continues to find new and innovative ways to get behind Doddie.
“I can’t wait to try a Doddie pie!”
