26 November 2022 News
The MND Association is saddened by news of the death of Doddie Weir OBE.
After announcing his MND diagnosis on Global MND Awareness Day in June 2017, Doddie became an inspiration to so many people by sharing his story, raising awareness and campaigning tirelessly on behalf of people with MND.
A former Scotland lock who won 61 Test caps and played in the British and Irish Lions rugby team, Doddie set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which has gone on to fund research projects across the UK and generously donated to the MND Association’s support grant programme.
Doddie’s determined attitude became a driving force in the #United2EndMND campaign – a collaboration between people with MND, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, MND Association, MND Scotland and neurologists – which resulted in the Government announcing, in November 2021, it would invest £50 million over five years into targeted MND research.
“Doddie’s big personality had a big impact on the MND community which was inspired by his determination to make a difference after receiving his diagnosis. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions and he wasn’t a man you could ignore! By bravely deciding to share his MND journey with the world, Doddie raised much needed awareness of MND and millions of pounds to fund research. His energy also inspired others, including other former professional sports people, to fight MND in their own ways and his openness provided comfort to many others who knew they were not facing the disease alone. We have been so grateful for the generous donations from Doddie’s Foundation which have helped us to provide vital support to so many people living with MND. On behalf of all of the MND community, we are truly thankful for his support and deeply saddened by his death.”
Sally Light - Chief Executive of the MND Association:
We would like to pass our sympathies to Doddie’s wife Kathy, his children, family and friends, and also to all at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.