FAREWELL TO A BRAVE AND GENTLE GIANT
Tributes flood in after passing of rugby hero who refused to bow down to his condition
SCOTTISH sport last night lost a true legend after the death of Doddie Weir at the age of 52 following a lengthy battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Famous for his exploits on the rugby field as a Scotland international and a British and Irish Lion, the lock forward became a true inspiration off it after he was diagnosed with MND back in 2016 and devoted the rest of his life to raising money to fund research and help others who suffered from the debilitating illness through his My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Despite his deteriorating health, Weir remained a force of nature and refused to bow down to his condition. Indeed, earlier this month he defied expectations again to attend the Scotland-All Blacks Test in what
was a truly emotional moment before kick-off as Murrayfield came together as one to pay tribute to the great man.
Last night, his wife, Kathy, and sons Hamish, Angus and Ben released a statement. It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie.
‘Doddie was an inspirational force of nature. His unending energy and drive, and his strength of character powered him through his rugby and business careers and, we believe, enabled him to fight the effects of MND for so many years.
‘Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together. He was a true family man. Whether working together on the farm, on holiday, or celebrating
occasions with wider
MND took so much from Doddie, but not his spirit or his determination
family and friends, Doddie was always in the thick of it. We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish all those memories, his love and warmth, his support and advice, his quick wit and his terrible jokes. It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him.
‘MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.
‘(We) would like to thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.’
Weir’s (right) career saw him make his Scotland debut in 1990 and he went on to win 61 caps for his country, as well as tour with the Lions in 1997. He played for Stewart’s Melville, Melrose, Newcastle and the Border Reivers, and his 6ft 6in frame was an unmistakable presence on any rugby pitch.
His battle against
MND transcended rugby and last night tributes flooded in from across the world.
Prince William and the Princess of Wales released a statement, saying: ‘Doddie Weir was a hero — we are so sad to hear of his passing. His immense talent on the pitch as well as his tireless efforts to raise awareness of MND were an inspiration. Our thoughts are with all those who loved him.
‘He will be hugely missed across the entire rugby world.’
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ‘This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch. He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones.’
A British and Irish Lions statement read: ‘We are devastated to hear of the passing of Doddie.
‘A Scotland legend, his determination to raise awareness and help find a cure for MND epitomised his personality. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all connected with Scottish Rugby and his charity.’
Former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings, who has received chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, said: ‘We lost the most loveable man in the world today. Doddie Weir we will honour your legacy and find a cure for MND.’
Sportsmail columnist Jason White added: ‘Growing up, Doddie was one of my idols and to play alongside him on my first Scotland senior tour to South Africa in 1999 was quite surreal at the time.
‘The news of his MND diagnosis many years ago was a huge shock. The way he approached the battle, the awareness and strides forward his foundation have made are simply awe-inspiring. He was an inspiration to me and so many other people around the world. Rest in peace, big Doddie.’
Newcastle paid tribute to ‘lifetime friend’ Weir in a club statement. ‘Following his diagnosis Doddie showed his characteristic mixture of determination and good humour in raising many millions for research into the condition,’ Newcastle said.
‘All associated with Newcastle Falcons would like to express our sadness at hearing the news of Doddie’s passing.’