Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rob: how many more warriors have to die...?
Rugby ace’s MND plea over Doddie
RUGBY league legend Rob Burrow yesterday begged the Government to release its promised funding into motor neurone disease after the death of pal Doddie Weir.
Ex-scotland star Doddie died aged 52 on Saturday, six years after being diagnosed with MND.
Paying tribute to the rugby union star, Rob, 40, said: “So sad to hear the news of the passing of my MND hero Doddie Weir.
“I’m sorry to say, how many more warriors must die before this stupid government give the £50million they said they would give? I’m absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die.
“You are the reason for being so positive. RIP”
Doddie and Rob, who got his diagnosis in 2019, had both tirelessly campaigned for new ways to treat the disease.
In November last year, the Government committed at least £50m to help find new therapies, and potentially a cure, for MND.
The condition causes the brain and nerves to degenerate progressively.
Rob’s close friend and former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, who has done a number of challenges to raise funds for MND, paid tribute to Doddie.
COLOSSUS
He said: “Doddie was a giant as a player, but his campaigning following his MND diagnosis made him a colossus.”
Weir, who won 61 Scotland caps before retiring in 2004, used his Rugby Union profile to help fundraising for his My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
He pushed for better research into the disease as well as appealing for improved care to be given to those affected.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said it was “committed to spending at least another £50m to help find a cure for this awful illness”.
It said it had funded clinical trials for various drugs which have shown promise and encouraged researchers to apply for its funding.
Doddie’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes, including one from the Prince and Princess of Wales. They wrote on Twitter: “He transformed people’s understanding of MND and funding for research.”
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont called him a “remarkable man”.
Doddie leaves behind wife Kathy, 52, and sons Hamish, 21, Angus, 20 and Ben, 19.
In a statement they said: “Doddie was an inspirational force of nature. Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together.”