PEOPLE’S AWARD Doddie Weir OBE
AFTER a career inspiring the nation with his leadership on the rugby pitch, Doddie is now inspiring us all with his courage and dignity in the face of a devastating illness. Thursday night’s show includes powerful tributes to Doddie from stars of the world of rugby and beyond, including Scott Hastings, Gregor Townsend, Johnny Wilkinson, Katherine Jenkins, Carol Vorderman, Mike Tindall and Clare Balding.
And he receives his trophy from friend and former Scotland team-mate Gary Armstrong, helped by Doddie’s son Ben in an emotional surprise moment at the family farm. Doddie earned 61 caps for
Doddie in his playing days and sharing a joke with his son Ben
Scotland and toured with the British and Irish Lions.
With his big personality, and trademark blue and yellow tartan suit, he was always the life of the party.
In 2017 Doddie revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The condition has no cure and a life expectancy of one to five years following diagnosis. In Doddie’s case, doctors told him he would be in a wheelchair in 12 months.
Determined to help others facing the same plight, Doddie and close friends and supporters, launched My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to help fund research into
MND and support fellow sufferers. To date the Charity has committed £5.8 million to MND Research.
In addition, the charity has given almost £1million to MND Scotland and MND Association to administer as grants on their behalf. This money has helped hundreds of people living with MND.
Meanwhile, the inspirational sportsman who never ducked a challenge on the pitch, continues to defy the odds. While he has lost power in his hands, arms and neck, he is still going to his boys’ rugby matches and leading his charity from the front.