MY ACCOUNT
Former Scotland rugby union international Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52.
Weir was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in June 2017, and his death was confirmed by his family on Saturday.
He was capped 61 times for Scotland, making his debut against Argentina in November 1990.
Weir was also a part of the British and Irish Lions’ successful tour of South Africa in 1997, while his final Scotland cap came in a Six Nations defeat to France in March 2000.
After announcing his MND diagnosis, Weir helped raise millions for charity via the My Name’5 Doddie foundation.
A statement published on Scotland Rugby’s website on Saturday from Weir’s wife Kathy read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Doddie.
“Doddie was an inspirational force of nature. His unending energy and drive, and his strength of character powered him through his rugby and business careers and, we believe, enabled him to fight the effects of MND for so many years.
“Doddie put the same energy and even more love and fun into our lives together. He was a true family man. Whether working together on the farm, on holiday, or celebrating occasions with wider family and friends, Doddie was always in the thick of it.
“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.
“MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.
“Hamish, Angus, Ben [Weir’s children] and I would like to thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”
