‘He inspired us every day’
Former Scotland lock dies aged 52 after battling motor neurone disease
TRIBUTES flooded in for the hugely popular and admired Doddie Weir as the death of the former Scotland international at 52 was announced yesterday evening, following a long battle against motor neurone disease.
Weir, who won 61 Scotland caps before retiring in 2004, was diagnosed with MND in 2016.
He spent his later years raising awareness of the condition and funds to find a cure and help other people affected.
He did this through the establishment of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Jill Douglas, the foundation’s chief executive, said: ‘Doddie enjoyed a full life, full of fun and love. And it was this approach to life which shone through in his determination to make a difference and help others when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
‘He inspired us every day with his positivity and energy and was fully committed to the work of the foundation he launched with his close friends in November 2017.
‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation continues to shine a light on MND and the need to seek meaningful treatments and, one day, a cure for this devastating disease.
‘The Foundation has raised significant funds through the amazing efforts of our incredible supporters and has committed £8million to MND research over this time.’
Rugby league club Leeds Rhinos also paid tribute to Weir for his charity work in the fight against MND.
Weir never played the 13-man code but developed a close relationship with the Super League club after former Rhinos player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
Like Weir, Burrow has also raised awareness of MND through considerable charity work.
Earlier this month, Weir met with former Rhinos player Kevin Sinfield at the start of his ‘Ultra 7 in 7’ challenge, when he ran seven ‘ultra marathons’ in as many days for MND-related causes.
A Rhinos statement read: “It is with deep sadness that the club has learned of the passing of rugby union star and MND campaigner Doddie Weir.
‘When Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, the first person he spoke to with MND was Doddie.
‘Doddie has been a constant source of strength to Rob. The pair, along with footballer Stephen Darby, gave MND a public face thanks to the work of BBC Breakfast and that has led to a ground shift in what the general public know about MND and how we continue that conversation.
‘Doddie was loved by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Doddie’s many friends and especially his wife Kathy and their three sons, Hamish, Angus and Ben and all their family. Rest in peace Doddie and thank you.’
One of Weir’s former clubs, Newcastle Falcons, whom he helped to the Premiership title in 1998, also offered condolences.
A statement read: “It is with desperate sadness that Newcastle Falcons has learned of the passing of our former player and lifetime friend, Doddie Weir.
‘A legend as a player, Doddie helped the Falcons ascend into the top flight and was an instrumental part of the squad which lifted the 1997-98 Premiership title – still the only team to achieve this remarkable feat the first season after promotion.
‘It was our honour to display his foundation’s logo on the front of our shirts when we played at St James’ Park in front of a club record crowd of more than 30,000 in 2018, and to play our part in supporting their incredible fundraising activity.
‘All associated with Newcastle Falcons would like to express our sadness at hearing the news of Doddie’s passing, whilst at the same time remembering the many happy memories and good times of which he was a central part.’
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac began his post-match press conference following his side’s Autumn Nations Series defeat against Australia in Cardiff by paying tribute to Weir.
‘On behalf of the Welsh rugby public and the Welsh national team, we would like to send our condolences to Doddie’s family,’ Pivac said. ‘He has done a lot for the game, and our condolences go out to his family and friends.’