Jamie Bamber is best recognised for his current role on the BBC’s hit drama Beyond Paradise as Archie Hughes. As his character faced an unforeseen break-up with DI Esther Williams (played by Zahra Ahmadi), the star revealed he would undertake his own gruelling challenge.
Taking to Instagram, Bamber encouraged his followers to donate to the Doddie’5 Lions Challenge 2025 to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. After sharing a photo from his 2023 participation and the medal he received, the actor said: “The Lions Challenge is going to take place between June 14th and 20th, we are going around Ireland 555 miles around the Emerald Isle, the land of my mother. I am super excited because I believe the first night we’ll be stopping at the Balomina Rugby Club, which is where she used to do all her dancing back in the day.”
Addressing his fans, Bamber pleaded: “Please, please, please, we still haven’t got a cure for this awful disease.
“It can strike anyone at any time, and there’s no point in going on this bike ride, apart from a bit of craic. There’s no point at all in doing this if we don’t raise some money to try and find this cure.
The 52-year-old then asked his followers to donate to the cause and “support us all as we cycle around Ireland.”
Bamber was inundated with support as people took to his comments with well wishes and encouragement, as one penned: “Such a wonderful cause.”
As another added: “You are all amazing! Thank you for raising awareness of MND!”
A third praised: “I love the way you post for good not likes. I will happily donate Jamie.”
“Love this, Jamie - What a brilliant thing to do for such an important cause. Great to see you at the Johns reunion last year! Hope this goes really well! Will be cheering you on as you around the mothership,” said one fan.
While a fifth commented: “Hopefully it’ll be another successful challenge!”
According to the NHS, adults of any age can get motor neurone disease, but it usually affects people over the age of 50. It causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. It's usually life-shortening, and there's currently no cure, but treatment can help manage the symptoms.
