World will be raising a glass to him – tributes to rugby hero Doddie Weir
Hundreds gathered in Melrose to pay their respects to Doddie Weir who died last month from motor neurone disease.
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Your support makes all the difference.Scottish sports personalities have paid tribute to Doddie Weir as hundreds gathered at the former Scotland international and charity fundraiser’s memorial service.
Family, friends and fans braved the pouring rain to show their respects to the rugby hero at Melrose Parish Church, which overlooks the Borders town’s rugby club, where Weir won three Scottish titles in the early 1990s.
Hundreds of people also gathered in the stand at the Melrose RFC ground, Greenyards, to listen to the audio feed from the church.
Jill Douglas, sports presenter and chief executive of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the charity he set up to help improve the lives of those affected by the disease, paid tribute to the rugby legend.
Speaking shortly after the service, Ms Douglas, a close friend of Mr Weir’s, said: “It was a really special service, full of fun and memories, and remembering the impact Doddie had on everyone’s lives.
“He was a huge character and he lived such a great and rich life, and that was certainly all celebrated in that service.
“It was a fitting send-off to Doddie, and I am sure he would have enjoyed hearing some of those great old stories again.”
She said Mr Weir’s wife, Kathy, and their three sons: Hamish, Angus and Ben, who all attended the service would have “taken great comfort being part of the service.”
What a legacy to leave. There's still work to be done, we still haven't found a cure, but we are making progress, we are on the cusp of a breakthrough
Ms Douglas added: “Everyone in this town knew him.
“He was known across the world because of those trademark tartan suits, because of the work he did, but also he was a great sportsman.
“We forget what a great player he was as well, all the way through the 90s, so I think people all over the world will be raising a glass to him today.”
When asked about the future of the foundation, Ms Douglas said: “We carry on what he started.
“What a legacy to leave. There’s still work to be done, we still haven’t found a cure, but we are making progress, we are on the cusp of a breakthrough.
“It’s our responsibility to carry on that drive.
“He inspired us while he was alive but he will continue to inspire now he’s gone because he wants to help those who have been given the same diagnosis as him.”
Scott Hastings also paid tribute to his the fellow, former Scotland star.
Speaking after the service, he said: “It was a lovely touch, a fitting ceremony, a celebration of life.
“It didn’t feel sombre and that’s what Doddie would have wanted. A fitting tribute to a very special human being.
“He crossed people from the farming community to the sporting community to the medical community and they are all represented here.
“I have friends from London, Hong Kong, York, who have all come here to spend time and reminisce about a very special man.”
Speaking about his involvement in the foundation, Mr Hastings said: “When he (Doddie) called me and asked me to chair his foundation, I burst into tears.
“I said we will do anything we can do to support you, big fella.
“Doddie’s legacy is to find a cure for MND, a world free of MND.
“When I get back, later this evening, I will raise a wee glass to him.”
Doddie died aged 52 on November 26 from motor neurone disease.