Former Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir made an emotional return to Murrayfield today.
The sporting legend, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease five years ago, was greeted by a standing ovation from the crowds. Doddie's family helped him out onto the pitch holding a rugby ball ahead of the match against New Zealand All Blacks on Sunday afternoon.
The 52-year-old's pitch-side appearance marked the fifth anniversary of his charity, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Both fans and players paid their respects to Weir, who has now raised thousands for research into the condition, reports Edinburgh Live.
Speaking earlier in the week, head coach Gregor Townsend says his side is aiming for a historic win for friend and former team mate Weir, as Scottish Rugby marks the milestone for the Foundation, which has now committed almost £8 million to research projects across the UK.
Townsend, 49, who played in multiple international matches with legendary lock Weir, including the famous victorious British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1997, said wearing the shirts – which will feature numbers in Doddie Tartan – will be like having him on the field with them.
He said: “It’s of huge significance that Doddie will be at BT Murrayfield with us on Sunday.
“It’s [Doddie’s attendance] to acknowledge what Doddie has done over the last five years, show our love for him and his fight against MND, and also it’s to remember that great night five years ago when he launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
“So many people in Scottish rugby feel they’ve been on this journey with him and I know he has inspired a lot of people to do things to raise money and probably change peoples lives. I know he’s going to change a lot of lives in the future due to the work he’s doing.
“It’s great the numbers on the back of our shirts will be in Doddie’s tartan, as we’ll feel we’ll have Doddie with us.
“He’s a big supporter of the team. I always get a message the night before our game saying we’re going to win this weekend and wishing us all the best. It’ll mean a lot to him if we get the win on Sunday and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Jill Douglas, the MNDF’s CEO and Doddie’s close family friend, has been with the foundation since the beginning, and explained how the charity has caught the imagination of the public, with thousands of people fundraising from all backgrounds to support the cause.
Douglas, 52, who will also lead the broadcast of Sunday’s match at BT Murrayfield, said: “The Foundation’s success has been down to a combination of things – but of course primarily it is the power of Doddie. He is such a big character and much loved by so many people.
“His positivity, energy, and drive to make a difference is inspiring. I also believe more and more people have become aware of MND, it is not as rare as many think, and they want to help us achieve our vision of a world free of motor neuron disease.
"Doddie has been so candid and frank about how the disease affects him and his family. He wants to be a voice for others who share his diagnosis but don't have the support and platform he has.
“We receive so many amazing letters and emails from people who have been touched by Doddie's story and want to help. We also hear from people living with MND who take comfort from Doddie's strength and openness. He has been instrumental is raising awareness and we continue to challenge the MND research community to push for progress."
“I believe we are making progress and that we are working with the best researchers who have the best chance of one day finding a cure for MND. Doddie has started something special and it is our responsibility to take this forward.”
Doddie Aid 2023 launches in December, and the public can find out how they can join in, and support the Foundation, at myname5doddie.co.uk.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
