CELEBRITIES including Chris Hoy, Lorraine Kelly and Jason Fox are calling on the people of Scotland to join them in a mass participation fundraising exercise challenge to raise cash for rugby star Doddie Weir's My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The Doddie Aid Challenge kicks off on January 1, running until the Doddie Weir Cup 6 Nations match on Feb 12. The brainchild of Doddie’s former Scotland and British and Irish Lions teammate, Rob Wainwright, it sees rugby’s old Scottish inter-district championship dusted off and its five teams resurrected to be the colours of everyone taking part.

Last year’s Doddie Aid saw over 22,000 people sign up, raising over £1million and covering enough miles to circumnavigate the world 87 times.

To get involved, potential participants should download the Doddie Aid app from the Apple or Android app stores to join their chosen district and claim a free team snood. All exercise miles should then be recorded via the app.

Any form of exercise counts towards a district’s total on the leaderboard, from running to rollerblading, cycling to skiing or just adding up daily steps.

Throughout the event, the captains of each district will be busy signing other high-profile stars in a bid to boost their team’s efforts. Come February 12, the team which has logged the most collective miles will be crowned Doddie Aid Inter-District Champions.

Mr Wainwright commented: “Whenever Doddie is involved, there has to be an element of fun. So Doddie Aid 2022 plans to keep you entertained and exercising from start to finish. We kick off on January 1 with loony dooks across the country, followed by six weeks of running, rowing, round the world cycling, nights on Zwift, tartan dog walks with celebrity pooches, and more.

“You raised over £1million last time. Money that is being directed into MND research and the quest for effective treatments for this terrible condition. Let's make it bigger and better this year. Do download the new Doddie Aid app now, form leagues with your family, friends and colleagues, and get them signed up. But above all, please enjoy yourselves.”

Doddie himself added: "Doddie AID is the perfect way to kick off 2022. Last year we had a huge amount of fun, comparing stories and sharing our combined efforts while raising vital funds for targeted MND research and to help support people living with this terrible disease.

“This year I hope everyone gets behind Doddie AID and joins in, we have a shiny new app and some brilliant district captains who will lead the charge. Many thanks to Rob and the team and to everyone who supports us. I am supposed to be impartial but the Weirs will be joining Team South – bring it on!"