Scottish rugby big Doddie Weir dies aged 52 after fight from motor neurone disease 

Rugby legend Doddie Weir has died, aged 52, following six-year battle with Motor Neurone Condition. 

The former Scotland and Lions player’s loss of life was verified by his family this evening. 

Considering that his analysis in 2016, he campaigned for better investigation and funding intothe illness.

Doddie Weir pictured at a match on November 13. Since his analysis in 2017, he has campaigned for better exploration and funding intothe disorder

Rugby legend Doddie Weir has died, aged 52, immediately after 5-yr battle with Motor Neurone Ailment

Just previous week, Doddie delivered the match ball during an Autumn Nations Series match involving Scotland and New Zealand at BT Murrayfield. 

Capped 61 moments involving 1990 and 2000, the lineout professional became known as a single of Scotland’s all-time greats.

Following his devastating MND diagnosis, Weir went on to increase hundreds of thousands via his My Name’5 Doddie basis. 

He was supplied an OBE in 2019 for expert services to rugby, MND exploration and to the Borders local community, the place he lived.

He is survived by his wife Kathy and sons Hamish, Angus and Ben.

A statement from the Weir family members mentioned: ‘It is with fantastic unhappiness we announce the loss of life of our beloved husband and father, Doddie.

After his devastating MND prognosis, Weir went on to elevate tens of millions through his My Name’5 Doddie foundation 

‘Doddie was an inspirational drive of nature. His endless power and drive, and his power of character driven him through his rugby and business enterprise professions and, we imagine, enabled him to battle the results of MND (Motor Neurone Disorder) for so a lot of decades.

‘Doddie put the identical electrical power and even a lot more like and fun into our lives alongside one another: he was a genuine loved ones male. Whether or not doing the job with each other on the farm, on holiday getaway, or celebrating instances with broader household and friends, Doddie was generally in the thick of it. We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish people reminiscences: his appreciate and heat, his guidance and guidance, his fast wit, and his terrible jokes. It is complicated to set into phrases how much we will pass up him.

‘MND took so significantly from Doddie, but never his spirit and dedication. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his individual struggle may perhaps be in excess of, his battle proceeds as a result of his basis, right until a remedy is found for all these with this devastating disorder.

‘Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your assistance and for respecting our privacy at this complicated time.’

‘Doddie was an inspirational drive of nature,’ a assertion from his family members has said. Standing at 6’6′ and 17 stone in his key, Weir was a fantastic competitor for Scotland’s rugby team

Scottish Rugby produced a statement this night on social media asserting the tragic news just weeks after the sporting legend created an psychological return to.

Their assertion go through: ‘We’re devastated to listen to of the passing of Doddie Weir.

‘A Scotland legend, his dedication to raise awareness & enable discover a overcome for MND epitomised his identity.

‘Our thoughts are with his loved ones, good friends, all linked with Scottish Rugby and his charity at this challenging time.

‘#RIPDoddie’

Scottish Initial Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote on Twitter: ‘This is so terribly sad. 

‘Doddie was 1 of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed nearly anything ever realized on the rugby pitch. 

‘He refused to allow it dim his spirit and did so substantially to assistance others. My condolences to his loved types.’ 

Final calendar year, Weir talked to Sportsmail about retaining his lust for life – as very well as Guinness and wine – in spite of his prognosis. 

‘I have to drink [Guinness] by way of a straw that is held for me but it’s my favorite tipple. And the pink wine is about there somewhere. I used to go for the £3 to £6 bottles. Now, with time not on my facet, I go for the £6 to £9 bottles. I am heading posh and high priced. Delight in the greatest whilst I am nonetheless below.’

He went on: ‘I’ve had a great existence, I am still obtaining a good life. I am blessed. I have a amazing family members and friends round me all generating my lifestyle superior. Who could ask for far more?’