‘We need someone to carry the torch,' says Dublin dad with MND urging for new Irish voice in fight against disease
His plea comes as Kenny Logan and a team of sporting stars complete a 555-mile charity cycle at the Aviva Stadium today.
Andrés Estevez-Guersanik (45), originally from Argentina but living in Dublin for 20 years, said Ireland needs a public champion to raise awareness and funding for MND, warning that momentum could fade without a high-profile voice.
The father-of-two said: 'We had Charlie Bird and Fr Tony Coote. They made such a difference as they got the nation talking, but they're not here anymore and no one has stepped in. And without that voice, that figure, the momentum is at risk of fading.
'We need someone new to carry the torch for awareness and to change how people treat this disease, how quickly you're diagnosed, how services work. That only happens when someone with a platform says, 'Enough.' When they say, 'This matters.''
Andrés was speaking as he prepares to greet Logan and the team to Dublin and the Aviva Stadium today as they complete Doddie's Lions Challenge – a 555-mile cycle around Ireland raising funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Andrés described his own diagnosis as a 'rollercoaster of emotions'. A passionate runner and cyclist, he said it was devastating to learn he had an incurable illness.
'Suddenly, everything has a different meaning,' he said. 'I value small things much more, and these small things are now the essence of life — sitting down for a coffee and chatting, or the possibility of doing simple little things.'
He spoke as Scotland rugby hero Logan led a team including football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan, and actor Jamie Bamber on the final leg of Doddie's Lions Challenge, a gruelling cycle raising funds for MND research through My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
The group — cycling around 100 miles a day across Ireland's rugby heartlands — has already raised more than £500,000, with further donations supporting both the Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Andrés, once a keen marathon runner and cyclist, now relies on support from the IMNDA and is awaiting a hospice bed for respite care. He said public figures are key to changing how people respond to the disease.
'A voice helps people connect with MND — that's the shift we need in Ireland. Because MND can happen to anyone, and people deserve better when it does,' he added.
Kenny Logan will lead a team of celebrities on the cycle including his wife, broadcaster Gabby Logan, football legend Ally McCoist, and actor Jamie Bamber.
The group will cycle approximately 100 miles a day across some of Ireland's most scenic and historic rugby heartlands, stopping at the home clubs of Lions' legends throughout.
The former Scotland winger said: 'Doddie put MND on the map, and we're committed to carrying on his legacy. If this ride helps shine a light and inspires someone in Irish sport to pick up the torch, then it's already a success.
'We've had an unbelievable time in Ireland and it's been incredible to meet members of the rugby and MND communities who have welcomed us with open arms. We're all excited to get to the Aviva to watch the game with Andrés – even though we'll be cheering on different sides!'
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