Doddie Weir’s legacy is work to find MND cure, says ex-teammate
The former Scottish rugby international has died after 52, six years after being diagnosed with the condition.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A former teammate of Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir has described him as a “magical human being”, following his death aged 52.
Weir’s family announced his death on Saturday, six years after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes, including from the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Prime Minister and First Minister.
Following his diagnosis in 2016, Weir set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a research charity aimed at finding a cure for MND.
Scott Hastings played with Weir for Scotland, but said his legacy will “without any shadow of a doubt” be the strides he took against the condition that took his life.
Hastings told BBC’s Sunday Show: “He was a magical human being, simple as that.
“He was like a magnet, he attracted people to him, people kind of followed him.
“He was extraordinary both on and off the rugby pitch.
“Obviously latterly his work within the MND community means he leaves a legacy which is just unrivalled in many respects.”
In a tweet signed personally by William and Kate, Weir was described as a “hero”, with the royals adding: “We are so sad to hear of his passing. His immense talent on the pitch as well as his tireless efforts to raise awareness of MND were an inspiration.
“Our thoughts are with all those who loved him. He will be hugely missed across the entire rugby world.”
The Princess Royal, who is patron of MND Scotland, said: “He was truly larger than life, determined, generous and humble. He transformed people’s understanding of MND and funding for research.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led the tributes from Scotland’s political sphere, describing Weir as “one of our nation’s sporting legends”, but adding “The brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.”