We were very sad to hear of the passing of Scottish rugby legend and Motor Neurone Disease campaigner Doddie Weir on Saturday 26th November 2022. We had the privilege of speaking to Doddie when he was the subject of an interview and article in issue 52 of our magazine, The World of Personal Number Plates (May 2021).
The fight
A striking figure in his trademark tartan suit, Doddie worked tirelessly to promote the fight against MND, the progressive and incurable illness that affects a disproportionate number of sports people. With his friends Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, Doddie appeared in a series of TV interviews with the BBC's Sally Nugent. These appearances and others exposed the three men to a broad audience that included many people with little interest in sport and they became the de facto faces of the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. However, unlike high-profile MND sufferers of earlier generations, such as actor David Niven and physicist Stephen Hawking, Doddie, Rob and Stephen confronted the challenge head-on and began efforts to raise awareness and money that might make a difference.
Doddie announced his MND diagnosis in 2017 and established the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation later that year. The 5 in the charity's name is a reference to Doddie's rugby shirt number. The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation approaches its task through multiple roles. It is a fundraising charity, working with other MND charities to fund research but it is also a publicity machine, working to raise awareness of the illness and the lack of effective treatment.
The legacy
The vital work that Doddie Weir did as a face and voice for MND sufferers continues with people he inspired. Rugby player and coach Kevin Sinfield - a close friend of Rob Burrow - has completed a series of amazing feats of endurance in his own efforts to raise money and awareness of the fight against MND. Most recently, Kevin completed seven ultra-marathons in just seven days. Doddie Weir's final public appearance, just two weeks before his death, was at the starting line to see Kevin off.
Kevin Sinfield's statement upon Doddie's passing is, perhaps the best possible tribute:
“Doddie was a giant as a player but his campaigning following his MND diagnosis made him a colossus. When Bryan Redpath first put me in touch with Doddie to speak to Rob Burrow following Rob’s own diagnosis, he immediately said yes without hesitation. The sight of 5’4” Rob and 6’6” Doddie was something that will live with all of us and probably bonded the duo with the great humour they shared. Doddie was able to give Rob the greatest gift of hope that night. He has been like a big brother to all of us since that day.
“I know, on behalf of the whole Ultra 7 in 7 team, it was our ultimate honour that Doddie was at Murrayfield just two weeks ago when we set off on our fundraising challenge. With his trademark smile, he insisted that he wanted to be there with his new pink trainers on! The fact that a proportion of the money raised from the Ultra 7 in 7 will go to the Foundation set up by Doddie has particular poignancy as we look to continue his legacy on in the years ahead.
“I am honoured to have been able to call Doddie my friend and I know his spirit lives on in all of us who knew him. He will always be a champion.”
To make a donation to Doddie's My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, please visit their website.
To donate to Kevin Sinfield's Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge, please visit his GiveAsYouLive donations page.
