Doddie Weir tribute: Rugby stars honor MND hero on 55th

Rugby legends Kenny Logan and Rob Wainwright have joined other sporting stars in paying tribute to the late Doddie Weir in a special video released on what would have been his 55th birthday. The touching tribute honours the memory of the former Scotland international and celebrates the lasting impact of his foundation dedicated to fighting motor neurone disease.

Weir established the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation in 2017, a year after being diagnosed with MND. The beloved rugby player died in November 2022 at the age of 52, leaving behind a powerful legacy in the fight against the devastating disease.

Sporting stars unite for tribute

The commemorative video features an impressive lineup of British sporting talent, including Olympic swimming medallist Duncan Scott and Olympic curling medallist Eve Muirhead. Broadcaster and former footballer Ally McCoist, ex-England rugby player Mike Tindall, and British and Irish Lions fly-half Fin Smith also contributed to the heartfelt tribute.

Supporters across the UK will wear Doddie tartan to work on Friday as part of an annual tradition marking the former rugby player's birthday. The gesture has become a symbol of solidarity with the MND community and a way to keep Weir's memory alive.

Foundation's remarkable progress

Kenny Logan, who played alongside Weir in Scotland's 1999 Five Nations-winning side, delivered an emotional message about his former teammate's enduring influence. "Doddie was a leader in life, and he remains a leader in death," Logan said. "His memory inspires thousands of people, both inside and outside of the MND community, to take action and help bring an end to this devastating disease."

Logan emphasised the urgency of continuing Weir's mission, adding: "We all know Doddie should still be here with us. He brought light and laughter into every room, even in the darkest days. It's up to all of us to dig deep, keep fundraising and finish what he started."

Major funding commitments

The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation has committed almost £20 million to targeted research projects since its establishment. The organisation has launched a Catalysing A Cure strategy designed to accelerate the search for effective treatments for MND.

Earlier this year, the foundation pledged £4 million to the MND Discovery Network, a groundbreaking UK-wide initiative that connects leading scientists to speed up progress in the field. The video also features Jennie Starkey, who is living with MND and serves on the Foundation's Discovery Network board.

Cycling challenge raises funds

The tribute follows the completion of Doddie's Lions Challenge, an ambitious fundraising effort that saw a team led by Logan cycle 555 miles around Ireland in five days. The team included Ally McCoist, Gabby Logan, and Weir's widow Kathy, who delivered the match ball for the British and Irish Lions versus Argentina fixture in Dublin.

The remarkable cycling challenge has raised almost £650,000 for MND research, demonstrating the continued support for Weir's cause. The funds will contribute directly to the foundation's ongoing efforts to find effective treatments for the disease.

Continuing the mission

My Name'5 Doddie Foundation chief executive Nicola Roseman highlighted the ongoing significance of Weir's story and the foundation's work. "Doddie's spirit continues to galvanise the MND community," Roseman said. "The outpouring of support and emotion on what would have been his 55th birthday shows just how many lives he touched and how much his story still matters."

Roseman stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against MND, noting that every milestone serves as a reminder of the work still to be done. "Every birthday that passes without Doddie is another reminder of the urgency of our mission," she added.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.