12 December 2024
Member News | Annie Kenyon Architects
Organiser behind Scotland’s largest mid-harvest tractor run 2024 receives ‘The Doddie Champion Award’
Annie Kenyon of Annie Kenyon Architects Ltd has received the ‘Doddie Champion’ Award at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Anniversary Dinner, which took place last Thursday 28 November. Annie has been recognised for her boundless efforts in raising money to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), since she lost her mum to the disease in 2021.
“It is an absolute honour to receive The Doddie Champion to recognise my efforts - however it really is a team effort and I’m so thankful to the amazing people that got involved,” said Annie.
Earlier this summer, Annie was one of the lead organisers of ‘Sandy Duffus’s Tractor Run’, alongside Kim Tedcastle and Chris Powell of CC Powell Ltd. Together, with the loan of the Doddie iCON (a tartan-wrapped JCB tractor), they set out to raise as much money as they could for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. They successfully raised an incredible £80,069 which will be used by the Foundation to better understand this devastating disease and find a cure.
The tractor run was held in support of Sandy Duffus - a well-known and respected man amongst the northeast agricultural community, who was diagnosed with MND at the start of the year. Over 250 tractors followed Sandy as he drove the Doddie iCON, leading the march from Turriff to Inverurie on the 14 August. A week prior to the event, Annie and the team presented the same tractor in the main ring at the annual Turriff Show – creating awareness of MND and encouraging showgoers to donate to the Foundation.
“Seeing all the farmers come out and support the tractor run that day was utterly amazing – it truly demonstrates what a supportive community we have. I hope that the awareness created makes a noticeable difference towards finding the cure,” comments Sandy Duffus.
“May I encourage everyone to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – as the money raised goes directly into the research that aims to find the cure. A huge thank you to all those who donated, attended the tractor run, and to the organisers behind the scenes for bringing the event to life.”
Kenny Logan, Scottish rugby player and former teammate of Doddie Weir said, “it was fantastic to see the Aberdeenshire farming community rally round for Sandy and to raise such an incredible amount for the Doddie Foundation this summer. The more awareness and funds raised, the closer we can get to finding a cure.”
Annie adds, “Prior to the incredible tractor run we held in the summer – an event that will forever be in our hearts – we held a pledge ‘Donate a Tonne for Doddie’ campaign at 2023 Turriff Show, as well as my partner Duncan’s cycle to Paris last year, and thanks to the help of Megan Stephen - a dinner dance at the P&J Live - which will take place again next year. The fundraising events have, so far, raised in the region of £250,000 and I aim to continue working with those involved until we find a cure.
“I have also been fortunate enough to meet Doddie Weir and will forever be grateful for all he has done in the MND community. Mum and Doddie, both taught me to live every day to the fullest and do everything with a bit of a smile – as you just don’t know what is around the corner.”
For more information on Motor Neurone Disease, and to get involved in raising funds the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, visit their website here: https://www.myname5doddie.co.u...
Pictured above: Annie Kenyon receiving The Doddie Champion Award at the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation Anniversary Dinner 2024
Photo credits: Chris Powell, Pictured above from left to right: Ralph Powell, Annie Kenyon, unknown, Sandy Duffus, Kim Tedcastle, unknown
