Hard Yards: Cycling and Camping from the Atlantic to the Black Sea

Supporting the Royal Marines Charity and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
With the backing of Jon White and Joe Launchbury
In the summer of 2026 I will be 69; I will also set out on a 4,500km cycling journey from St Nazaire on the Atlantic coast of France to the Danube Delta in Romania, where the river meets the Black Sea. Over three months, I will cross 10 countries, travelling unsupported and spending most nights camping.
I am undertaking this challenge to raise funds for two charities: The Royal Marines Charity and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, supporting research and care for Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
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Why the Royal Marines Charity?
The Royal Marines have been at the forefront of UK military operations for decades, and that commitment comes with significant personal cost.
During my own time as a Royal Marine, I served alongside John White. We completed the same commissioning course and later served as Quartermasters—John at 40 Commando and I at 45 Commando. John was an outstanding Marine and leader.
His son, Captain Jon White, followed in his footsteps, becoming a Royal Marine, a Mountain Leader, and an exceptional officer.
During Operation HERRICK 12 in Afghanistan, while commanding Reconnaissance Troop, 40 Commando, Jon stepped on a pressure-plate IED. He survived, but lost three limbs, becoming the most seriously injured Royal Marine to survive that tour.
Jon’s remarkable recovery has seen him take on physical challenges that most could barely imagine. He is now an inspirational speaker and a highly skilled kayaker.
Throughout his recovery—and for so many others—the Royal Marines Charity has been steadfast in its support, helping Marines and their families rebuild their lives during and after service. Their work remains vital.
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Why the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
Doddie Weir was one of rugby’s most beloved characters—an athletic, combative second row who represented Melrose, Newcastle and Scotland with distinction. In June 2017, Doddie revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease and in 2022 he died from the disease.
While there is no proven link between rugby and MND, it is striking how many great players have been affected: Ed Slater, Lewis Moody, Rob Burrow, Joost van der Westhuizen, and Doddie himself.
But MND reaches far beyond the rugby world:
• 6 people in the UK are diagnosed every day
• Around 5,000 people in the UK live with MND at any one time
My son, Joe Launchbury, also an international second row, joins me in our determination to help find a cure—not only for teammates like Ed and Lewis, but for the thousands of families affected across the country.
As Joe would say—and as Doddie, Ed and Lewis would surely echo— it’s time to dig in, to put in the hard yards, and to push research one step closer to a cure.
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How You Can Help
I am asking for your support on this ride and, in turn, you will be helping two outstanding causes:
• The Royal Marines Charity
• The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
All donations will be equally split between the two organisations. I promise you that every contribution will make a real difference—supporting Royal Marines like Jon White, and advancing the search for a cure for MND in memory of Doddie Weir.
Thank you, sincerely, for your generosity.