An INSPIRATIONAL dad-of-three diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year is determined to ‘pick up the ball from Doddie’ to help find a cure for the condition, after raising nearly half a million pounds for vital research into the disease.
James Clarke’s fundraising efforts have so far included a gruelling celebrity-backed 50-mile cycling challenge and glamorous charity ball, raising £441,000 so far for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The 42-year-old from Hampshire was diagnosed with the disease in December 2021, and while he has no fundraising target in mind, he has pledged to raise as much as he can to support the mission to continue Doddie Weir’s work and one day find a cure for MND.
Speaking about the former Scotland rugby international who died last month, James said: “The strength and determination he displayed whilst fighting MND was truly inspirational and the legacy he leaves is the stuff of legend.
“I didn’t play much rugby at school, but I promise to pick the ball up and drive towards the MND try line supported by friends and family as teammates and score some points against this toughest of opponents.”
James’ remarkable efforts to help find a cure for MND began in July, when he completed a 50-mile cycle along the historic Shipwright’s Way surrounded by his 13-year-old-son, Ollie, and 24 riders.
“Completing the cycle was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” said James, who lives in Wyck with his wife Lottie and children Martha (14), Ollie and Matilda (6).
“It was my arms that bore the brunt of the pain due to the stress of holding my body upright on the bike. There were a few big hills on the trail which proved to be a real challenge – at one point, my friends Gary Hall and Phil Hobley had to physically hold me up on either side just to make it to the top. I didn’t stop once, though. I was determined to finish.
“My body was in immense pain towards the last few miles, so having my son there alongside me was a real boost. I was very emotional crossing the finish line. I have never felt anything like it.”
Then in October, James hosted the inaugural Brancaster Ball which he organised with his friends, family and former colleagues at real-estate agency Knight Frank within a matter of weeks.
The black-tie event, held at Frensham Hall in Farnham, was attended by 380 guests and raised a whopping £207,000 for MND research. A second event on Saturday, February 4, is already sold out.
His determination to support the mission to one day find a cure for MND hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a galaxy of stars including footballing legend David Beckham, broadcaster Fearne Cotton and astronaut Tim Peake among the celebrities backing James’ incredible efforts.
James’ efforts have been heralded as “inspiring” by Jill Douglas, the CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
She said: “What an amazing effort by James and his family and friends. He is such an inspiring character and we very much appreciate his support.
“Like Doddie, James is giving so much of his precious time to raise funds to hopefully put an end to this disease. It is because of people like James that we can continue to fund our vital research and clinical trials so we can finally find a cure for MND.”
To support James’ fundraising efforts, follow visit justgiving.com/fundraising/james-clarke79. To follow his journey living with MND, follow him on Instagram.
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