Rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE dies of motor neuron disease aged 52

We are deeply saddened to hear that Scotland rugby legend, Doddie Weir OBE, has died aged 52 from motor neuron disease (MND).  

The former British and Irish Lion, announced his diagnosis of MND on Global MND Awareness Day (21st June) 2017, and went on to raise an incredible amount of awareness of the disease by sharing his journey.  

Doddie won the hearts of the Scottish public with his humour and positive attitude, and inspired them to join our cause, so that one day we will find a cure. 

Following his devastating diagnosis, Doddie set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, to fund research into finding treatments and a cure. The foundation has also helped families living with MND in Scotland, by donating almost half a million pounds over five years to MND Scotland’s grants programme, which helps relieve some of the financial burden that comes with living with the disease. 

Doddie dedicated so much of his time to raising awareness of the illness, particularly through his moving BBC Documentary ‘One More Try’, his appearances on BBC Breakfast with fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, and in his most recent book ‘Doddie’s Diary’. 

In 2021, Doddie joined forces with MND Scotland, the MND Association, other people living with MND, and neurologists, to call on the UK Government to invest £50 million over five years into targeted MND research. The petition started in his name received over 110,000 signatures in support of the ‘United to End MND’ campaign and led to a debate in UK Parliament. Thanks to the incredible efforts of all involved in the campaign, the UK Government announced its commitment to investing £50 million into targeted MND research in November 2021.  

Doddie’s tireless efforts to create change will leave a lasting legacy. We will continue fighting in his memory, and for everyone else we have lost. Together, we will beat MND.  

Rachel Maitland, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said:

“Doddie Weir was a huge inspiration who will be missed by so many. His bravery in sharing his experience of living with MND helped raise vital awareness across the country and beyond.  

“The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation contributed vital funds towards MND Scotland’s grants programme, which provides essential financial support to families affected by MND in Scotland. Together, we called on the UK Government to invest £50 million into targeted MND research, through our United to End MND campaign. The success of this campaign brings new hope of finding meaningful treatments and a cure sooner.  MND does not wait for anyone and now we have another person taken too soon because of this cruel disease.   

“We cannot thank Doddie enough for his support and contribution to improving the lives of those living with MND, and for all he did for the cause. 

“I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Doddie’s family, friends and the foundation at this extremely difficult time.”