By Zak Williamson
Former Scotland International rugby player Doddie Weir has passed away aged 52 after a six-year battle with Motor Neurons Disease (MND).
After his diagnosis, Weir founded the ‘My Name’5 Doddie’. Created in 2017, they have been able to raise millions in support of research into combatting MND.
In a statement on its website, the foundation proudly declares that they ‘are absolutely committed to our vision of a world free of MND, leaving no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit of this goal.’
Capped for his country 61 times, Weir has been described as a ‘force of nature’ both on and off the field, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stating that ‘The brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.’
Weir was not only accomplished on the international stage, having a successful Rugby Union Career in which he won 6 Scottish Club Championships with Melrose RFC and an English Premiership title with the Newcastle Falcons in the 1997-98 season.
He was also selected to be a part of the British and Irish lions for their South African tour in 1997, where he suffered a bad knee injury.
He is survived by his wife Kathy and three sons. Commenting on her husband’s passing, Kathy said:
‘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.’
Born in Edinburgh on 4th July 1970, Weir was not only a talented Rugby player, earning a Higher National Diploma from the Scottish Agricultural College during his years playing as an amateur.
Tributes poured in for the rugby legend from all across the world of sport.
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist called him ‘an incredible example to us all’ and that his ‘smile made us all feel good.’
His former team, the British and Irish Lions also paid their respects to the Scottish Icon, tweeting:
‘We’re devastated to hear of the passing of Doddie. A Scotland legend, his determination to raise awareness & help find a cure for MND epitomised his personality.’
In the end, Doddie Weir will be remembered as a warrior who faced his challenges on and off the field with dignity and grace, inspiring those around him to keep pushing on through any adversities they may face.