The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Star struck by disease backs fundraising run
Support: Fife fun run will raise money for research into motor neurone disease
Former rugby international Doddie Weir has given his backing to a Fife fun run raising funds for research into motor neurone disease.
The 41-year-old, who won 61 caps for Scotland, revealed two months ago he had been diagnosed with the terminal muscle-wasting condition.
Mr G’s MND 5km Fun Run is to be held for the third year running in St Andrews to raise funds for research into the degenerative condition and for the care of former Madras College teacher Donald Grewar.
Organiser Brynja Duthie, 16, was astounded to receive a call from Weir who praised those behind the race.
She had contacted Scottish Rugby Union to ask them to surprise rugby fan Mr Grewar.
The pair were delighted to meet team members including Greig Laidlaw, Robert Harley, Fraser Brown and Jonny Gray and head coach Gregor Townsend.
Brynja said: “Subsequent to that I got a surprise when Doddie Weir contacted me directly and we got a chance to speak on the phone together, where he offered his support and encouragement for the fun run this weekend.
“He is another hero in my eyes because of what he, too, is going through. Both he and Mr G are inspirational and I hope by highlighting their plight we can all help others in the fight against motor neurone disease.”
The run raised £29,000 in its first two years and the event on Sunday will raise even more for Mr Grewar and research being conducted at St Andrews University by Dr Gareth Miles and his team.
Last week Weir, whose shirt number was five, launched the Doddie Weir’5 Discretionary Trust and Foundation to support his care and he is to launch another foundation, My Name’5 Doddie, to raise funds for research into MND and provide grants to people living with the condition.
For details of how to enter or donate to the fun run see Mr G’s MND fundraising page on Facebook.
I got a surprise when Doddie Weir contacted me directly. BRYNJA DUTHIE