‘MAGICAL’ DODDIE HAS TRIBUTES POURING IN

DODDIE WEIR was hailed as a “magical human being” as tributes poured in following the death of rugby’s great hero.

Scotland star Weir (above) passed away at the age of 52, six years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Royalty and political leaders joined the sporting world to bid farewell to a man who touched the lives of so many.

“He was like a magnet, he attracted people to him, people kind of followed him,” said former team-mate Scott Hastings (below).

“He was extraordinary both on and off the rugby pitch, a magical human being. His work within the MND community means he leaves a legacy which is just unrivalled in many respects.”

Not only did he battle the cruel disease with incredible courage and humour, Weir raised millions of pounds to fund the quest for a cure.

“Doddie was a giant as a player, but his campaigning following his MND diagnosis made him a colossus,” said rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield.

In a 2019 interview, Weir made plain his frustration that not enough was being done to find a cure.

“One drug came out 25 years ago which most patients are not on and nothing has been done since to give anyone with MND even a wee chance,” he said.

“There’s not an option on the table. Not one. Why? This disease is horrific. Fighting for a cure is what drives me.”

Last November, the government pledged £50million to help find new therapies. It has still to be made available.