Tributes to ‘hero’ Doddie

A FORMER team-mate of Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir (pictured) has described him as a “magical human being”, following his death aged 52. Weir’s family announced his death on Saturday, six years after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The news sparked an outpouring of tributes, including from the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Prime Minister and First Minister.

After his diagnosis in 2016, Weir set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a research charity aimed at finding a cure for MND.

Scott Hastings played with Weir for Scotland, but said his legacy will “without any shadow of a doubt” be the strides he took against the condition that took his life. He told the BBC’s Sunday Show: “He was a magical human being, simple as that. He was like a magnet, he attracted people to him, people kind of followed him.

“He was extraordinary both on and off the rugby pitch.” In a tweet William and Kate, described Weir as a “hero”, with the royals adding “He will be hugely missed across the entire rugby world.” The Princess Royal, patron of MND Scotland, said: “He was truly larger than life, determined, generous and humble. He transformed people’s understanding of MND and funding for research.”