Perth man with MND tackles Mount Ventoux charity challenge in France and has support of Mark Beaumont

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Perth man with Motor Neurone Disease is gearing up for his latest challenge to help a charity close to his heart.Malcolm Dodds (59), alongside wife Ali, is this month attempting to reach the summit of Mont Ventoux in southern France on his trusty e-bike.The highest mountain in the region has been nicknamed the ‘Beast of Provence’ and is arguably the most arduous of climbs in the famous Tour de France cycling race.The summit stands at 6263 feet and, therefore, former Kinnoull Primary and Perth High School student Malcolm is seeking to collect £6263.“That’s just £1 for each lung-busting foot of the climb,” Malcolm told the PA.“Every donation to my JustGiving campaign is very much appreciated.”Funds raised will be heading for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity set-up in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir.They will “leave no stone unturned” in their quest to fund, guide and enable the smartest, most efficient MND research to catalyse a cure for motor neuron disease.Malcolm was diagnosed with MND at the end of 2021 and, as the family point out, it clearly “was not the best of times”.But, somewhat unexpectedly, it was not the worst of times either.Malcolm got himself an e-bike a few months later and discovered a new freedom to explore much further than he would ever have gone before.He has been tirelessly fundraising for MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.Now his charity efforts will reach new heights when he tackles the 16 miles to ascend to the summit of Mont Ventoux.Malcolm said: “I am doing another fundraiser for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, to raise money for MND research.“Inspired by this year’s Tour de France I will be tackling Mont Ventoux - the Beast of Provence.“The Mont Ventoux climb is one