A Cardross father and son duo are putting their best foot forward for a good cause over the next few weeks as they aim to raise funds for vital research into Moto Neurone Disease (MND).

Mark Bone, 49, and his 11-year-old son Adam are taking part in the Doddie Aid challenge which will see them rack up miles over a period of six weeks.

The annual challenge raises funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – a charity launched by the late Doddie Weir in November 2017.

The Scottish rugby legend was diagnosed with MND in June of the same year and passed away on November 26, 2022.

Mark and Adam are joined in their efforts by people across Scotland and beyond, with six regional teams competing against each other for the top spot on the leaderboard.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Mark and Adam are part of Team GlasgowMark and Adam are part of Team Glasgow (Image: Mark Bone)

The pair have signed up as part of team Glasgow, captained by Ryan Wilson of Glasgow Warriors.

Mark, who is the P7 coach and minis convenor at Helensburgh Rugby Club, said he’s enjoying the challenge so far.

He added: “Doddie Aid is an easy way for people to get involved because it’s not all about doing really strenuous exercise.

“It can even just be walking to the shops. Adam walks to school, so we can add that on to our miles every day.

“It’s good because you can join in with other people you know and make little leagues for yourselves to see who’s doing the most miles that week, or who’s managed or raise the most money this week.

“It’s all about having fun, getting people doing some exercise, and raising a bit of money at the same time.

After clocking up 44 miles in their first week, Mark and Adam are now sitting at a total of 130, with four weeks still to go.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Mark has also being adding miles to the total on his bikeMark has also being adding miles to the total on his bike (Image: Mark Bone)

After Weir’s recent passing, this year’s event is all the more profound as thousands of participants carry on his legacy.

With the challenge still in its early stages, over 27,000 people have signed up, raising more than £700,000 already.

Mark said: “It’s very important to keep Doddie’s legacy going.

“Particularly at the moment, we’re seeing what’s happening with head injuries from the past.

“There’s a lot of those sorts of injuries and illnesses that come out in rugby players.”

The fundraising duo are encouraging others to make a start on their own miles, regardless of whether they have a rugby connection or not.

Mark added: “It’s not just about rugby. MND affects everyone.

“There is no cure at the moment, so this is all about putting money in to help find a cure.

“It will make a difference to everyone, not just the rugby community. The community is getting involved to help, but it will go towards MND research everywhere.”

Find out how to get involved on the Doddie Aid website.

To donate to Mark and Adam's fundraiser, click here.