10 year old Harvey takes on 31 day exercise challenge for Doddie Aid and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation

22 January 2025

This January, as part of Doddie Aid 2025 and to raise funds and awareness for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, 10 year old Harvey Dooher is undertaking a challenge that most adults would find daunting: running 5km and completing 100 push-ups every single day this month. By the end of January, this will see Harvey having run a total distance of 155km, as well as having done 3,100 push-ups - which is no mean feat for anyone! 

Harvey’s inspiration for his challenge comes from his Dad, David Dooher. In 2023, David carried 100kg on his back, all the way up to the summit of Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest mountain), to fundraise for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Since then, Harvey has been learning about motor neuron disease (MND) and the work that the Foundation does to invest in MND research. 

“It makes me sad when I see and hear stories about MND,” Harvey explains, which is why he’s decided to take action, “I want to play a small part in helping those with the disease so one day we can maybe fix it and make everyone feel better again.”

So every day this January, Harvey is lacing up his trainers and getting to work, often with his Dad by his side, and always with determination, grit and a smile, no matter the relentless circumstances.

“I hope that if people see me completing my challenge, they might be able to give £1 or £2 to the charity,” Harvey says, “that would be amazing and I promise I will do my bit every day.”

Harvey’s challenge is a reminder that no matter your age - with strength of character, you can make a difference.

Donations to Harvey’s fundraising page can be made by clicking here.