A memorial had been arranged to celebrate the life of Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir after the news of his death was announced last week.
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017, the iconic former player had raised millions for his charity to help fund research into the disease before he died at the age of 52.
Appearing at Murrayfield Stadium to a standing ovation less than a fortnight before his death, Doddie had been seen by thousands as he greeted both teams with the match ball.
READ MORE - Meet the Midlothian good samaritan helping struggling families this Christmas
Now, organisers have announced that a service to commemorate his life will be held before Christmas, with those attending asked to wear any form of tartan to the event, requested by the dad-of-three himself.
The memorial will take place at Melrose Parish Church, in Roxburghshire, on Monday, December 19 at 1pm, however, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation have advised that numbers at the church service will be restricted, but all are welcome to watch a live stream of the memorial held at Melrose Rugby Club.
There has been a specific request for no flowers - but donations, if desired, may be sent to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Rugby supporters attending Edinburgh’s game against Munster on Friday evening have also been urged to wear tartan.
Dedicating the last five years of his life to raising money and awareness about the condition, Doddie became one of the world’s leading MND campaigners. Despite being told he would be unable to walk within a year of his diagnosis, he defied doctors for four years before the muscle-wasting condition took the use of his arms and legs completely, reports the Record.
His wife Kathy told how he had been “an inspirational force of nature” - adding the 6ft 6in sportsman was as brave off the field as he was on it - as he raised £8million for MND research.
She said: “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. 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, while his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease. Doddie was an inspirational force of nature.”
READ NEXT -
Edinburgh woman hits back at 'laid back' dog walker after rescue pup charged at
ScotRail 'sorry' as Edinburgh passengers crammed into overcrowded commuter train
Man told 'deal with it' after complaining about behaviour of toddler next door
Young Edinburgh woman 'seriously assaulted' on city bypass flyover
Edinburgh police rush to early morning smash on city bypass as delays expected
