Tag: Doddie Weir

Rob Wainwright: Doing it for Doddie

A volunteer on-call firefighter and former rugby player has vowed to keep Doddie Weir’s fundraising legacy alive to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Rob Wainwright is a farmer on the Island on Coll who helps to protect his local community in his role supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He’s also a former Scottish rugby captain, British and Irish Lion, and teammate of rugby legend Doddie Weir.

Three years ago, Rob founded Doddie Aid. To date, the mass participation event has raised around £2m for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with the Foundation itself ploughing around £8m into MND research in the last five years.

Rob and Doddie remained close after their days on the field finished. Sadly, Doddie passed away last month following a battle with MND.

Rob said: “We are going through a period of sadness, but Doddie would not want us moping about.  He would want us getting on with it – fundraising and trying to find a cure – and that’s what we will do.”

Rob said: “It’s a huge legacy and it’s for nothing if it doesn’t continue. It falls upon us that are left to carry the flame for Doddie and carry on his determination to find breakthroughs in the science and treatment of MND. Doddie may be gone but he is still leading us and driving us onwards.”

The last time Rob saw Doddie was when Doddie made a flying visit to the Island of Coll around two months ago.

Rob said: “When you play rugby with someone you are bound together by being part of a team. Doddie was a country man, a bit like myself and we shared the same kind of humour. We just hit it off.

“He came up for a visit and it was great to see him. We had lunch at The Coll Hotel and went on a distillery tour at Ardnamurchan. He needed things like that to look forward to. That was the last time I saw him.”

When Doddie passed away tributes poured in from all around the world and Rob wasn’t surprised by the amount of love felt for Doddie.

Rob said: “He was an extremely warm character, wonderfully friendly, with the perfect blend of humour and compassion. He was just a really good people person, with a really attractive personality that people loved, and he was very giving of his time.

“There was a lot that happened behind the scenes. Doddie was introduced to people who had just been diagnosed with MND. He was able to give them guidance and he in turn got guidance from other people.”

Rob has been putting plans in place for Doddie Aid. The mass participation event starts on January 1, 2023, and anyone can sign up and set their own challenge and fundraising goals.

Doddie Aid also includes a cycling event where hundreds of cyclists will leave from Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium on Thursday February 9, to arrive at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the Scotland v Wales Six Nations match on Saturday February 11. The 555 mile cycle will be a continuous ride throughout the 48 hours.

And next year’s event is set to be even more emotional.

Rob said: “Everything will be a lot more poignant. It’s emotional anyway – when you get tired and you’ve been at it for a day and half, you’re running out of energy, haven’t eaten properly or slept and then the amazing welcomes at some of the rugby clubs.

“This year there’s even more determination, to make it even bigger and channel that love for Doddie now that he has gone.

“I’ve set myself a target of having 50,000 people signed up to Doddie Aid and to raise £2m for MND research.”

As well as organising Doddie Aid, Rob helps to keep his local Coll community safe as a volunteer on call firefighter – a role he’s held for nearly 20 years.

His colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have rallied to submit a cycling team for Doddie Aid. Rob’s fellow volunteer on call firefighters from the island’s fire station will be joining a 13-strong team from the SFRS East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute area.

Rob will be cycling as part of a British and Irish Rugby Lions Team.

He said: “I’m wishing luck to the SFRS team. I know they’ve been in training. Winter cycling in February might sound like a stupid thing to do but it’s overcoming these challenges working as a team – it will be a very uplifting experience.”

Area Commander Joe McKay is SFRS Local Senior Officer for East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute. He said: “We’ve seen first-hand the huge amount of effort it takes to organise Doddie Aid and we’re delighted to support Rob’s determination and importantly to support Doddie’s mission to raise money to help find a cure for MND.”

Jill Douglas, CEO, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly appreciative of all that the SFRS do, and to have them joining the Doddie Cup 555 ride is great!

“The ride is a gruelling challenge, but made easier knowing that each push of a pedal and mile covered takes us closer towards finding a cure to motor neuron disease.”

And that’s Rob’s goal – to keep fundraising to try to help others.

He said: “This is a call to arms. Please get involved, download the app, sign up, encourage people to join and spread the word.

“We have come a long way, but the journey needs to be pushed on. Doddie was defined not by what he did in his glory days on the rugby field, but by how he coped with his ultimate challenge, how he attacked it and the momentum he created to find solutions for MND.

“There’s lots of people out there with MND. Many of them don’t have the platform that Doddie had but he had that platform, and he used it. He had an amazing energy and determination to find a solution to this disease and to help others. He’ll keep pushing us on even though he isn’t here.

“We’ll keep funding research and hopefully there will be a breakthrough that will really make a difference for sufferers of MND. It’s what Doddie would have wanted.”

A service celebrating the life of rugby legend Doddie Weir is due to be held in the Scottish Borders today.

The former Scotland international died last month at the age of 52, six years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The event takes place at Melrose Parish Church at 13:00 with anyone attending encouraged to wear tartan – a request made by Doddie Weir himself.

The service will be live streamed on Scottish Rugby’s website.

‘An inspirational force of nature’: Tributes pour in for Doddie Weir

My Name5 Doddie Foundation:

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our founder Doddie Weir has died. Doddie was a force of nature, a great family man, tremendous rugby player and loved and respected by all who knew him.

Our thoughts are with Kathy, Hamish, Angus and Ben and we know you will join us in sending them our love and best wishes at this time.

Jill Douglas, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and close friend of Doddie’s said: “Doddie enjoyed a full life full of fun and love. And it was this approach to life which shone through in his determination to make a difference and help others when he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

“He inspired us every day with his positivity and energy and was fully committed to the work of the Foundation he launched with his close friends in November 2017. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation continues to shine a light on MND and the need to seek meaningful treatments and one day, a cure for this devastating disease.

“The Foundation has raised significant funds through the amazing efforts of our incredible supporters and has committed £8 million to MND research over this time. We have also given considerable funds to people living with MND and their families to help them live as fulfilled a life as possible.

“With Doddie’s enthusiasm and drive, we have collaborated with other stakeholders within the MND community and firmly established the Foundation as a trusted, influential and well supported charity.

“And our vision of a world free of MND remains at the heart of our strategy. As we look to the future, we will honour Doddie’s name and deliver on his legacy. There is much still to do and with your support, we will continue our work, remaining true to the values and ambition of our founder.”

MND Scotland:

We are deeply saddened to hear that Scotland rugby legend, Doddie Weir, has died aged 52 from motor neuron disease (MND).  

The former British and Irish Lion, announced his diagnosis of MND on Global MND Awareness Day (21st June) 2017, and went on to raise an incredible amount of awareness of the disease by sharing his journey.  

Doddie won the hearts of the Scottish public with his humour and positive attitude, and inspired them to join our cause, so that one day we will find a cure. 

Following his devastating diagnosis, Doddie set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, to fund research into finding treatments and a cure. The foundation has also helped families living with MND in Scotland, by donating almost half a million pounds over five years to MND Scotland’s grants programme, which helps relieve some of the financial burden that comes with living with the disease. 

Doddie dedicated so much of his time to raising awareness of the illness, particularly through his moving BBC Documentary ‘One More Try’, his appearances on BBC Breakfast with fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, and in his most recent book ‘Doddie’s Diary’. 

In 2021, Doddie joined forces with MND Scotland, the MND Association, other people living with MND, and neurologists, to call on the UK Government to invest £50 million over five years into targeted MND research.

The petition started in his name received over 110,000 signatures in support of the ‘United to End MND’ campaign and led to a debate in UK Parliament. Thanks to the incredible efforts of all involved in the campaign, the UK Government announced its commitment to investing £50 million into targeted MND research in November 2021.  

Doddie’s tireless efforts to create change will leave a lasting legacy. We will continue fighting in his memory, and for everyone else we have lost. Together, we will beat MND.  

Rachel Maitland, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said: “Doddie Weir was a huge inspiration who will be missed by so many. His bravery in sharing his experience of living with MND helped raise vital awareness across the country and beyond.  

“The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation contributed vital funds towards MND Scotland’s grants programme, which provides essential financial support to families affected by MND in Scotland.

“Together, we called on the UK Government to invest £50 million into targeted MND research, through our United to End MND campaign. The success of this campaign brings new hope of finding meaningful treatments and a cure sooner.  MND does not wait for anyone and now we have another person taken too soon because of this cruel disease.   

“We cannot thank Doddie enough for his support and contribution to improving the lives of those living with MND, and for all he did for the cause. 

“I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Doddie’s family, friends and the foundation at this extremely difficult time.” 

Scottish Rugby issued a statement on behalf of the Weir family:

Rob Burrow MBE:

So sad to hear the news of the passing of my mnd hero Doddie Weir. I’m sorry to say, how many more warriors die before this stupid government give the 50m they said they would give.

I’m absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die. You are the reason for being so positive RIP

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:

This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.

He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones. #RIPDoddie

MND Association:

We’re sorry to hear that Doddie Weir OBE has died. Since sharing his MND diagnosis in 2017, Doddie became an inspiration to many, raising awareness and campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those with MND.

Our thoughts are with Doddie’s wife Kathy, his 3 sons, family and friends.

Doddie digs deep for families living with MND

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir, has donated an additional £100,000 to MND Scotland and £200,000 to the MND Association of England Wales and Northern Ireland, to support people living with motor neurone disease (MND). 

Doddie, who first shared his MND diagnosis in June 2017, has pledged to help others living with the rapidly progressing terminal illness, as well as funding for vital research into finding a cure. 

To support families currently affected, the Foundation has committed annnual funding to MND Scotland and the MND Association, since 2018.

The Foundation also made one-off donations to the charities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, taking its total contributions to MND Scotland and the MND Association to £380,000 and £670,000, respectively.  

The new funds will be used by both charities to help families across the UK cover some of the financial burden that comes with a diagnosis of MND, through their grant programmes. 

These programmes aim to help reduce some of the extra costs that come with living with MND. The grants can be used in various ways, for instance; to help with costs towards home adaptations, such as ramps and stairlifts, for specialist equipment to live life more independently, and for respite activities for carers and families. 

Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are delighted to continue and further strengthen our relationships with MND Scotland and MND Association by working with both these charities to support people living with motor neuron disease. 

“This commitment, by Doddie and the Foundation, to help patients and their families, is one of our main strategic goals and we look forward to sharing our plans for the future in the coming months. 

“Our ability to offer grants to families, through the existing frontline care charities, is only possible through the amazing contribution of our fundraisers and supporters and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us, you inspire us every day!” 

Adrian Murphy, MND Scotland’s Chair, said: “I’d like to thank the Foundation for its ongoing support of our grants programme which allows us to provide essential support to the families affected by this devastating disease.  

“Since his own diagnosis, Doddie has raised an incredible amount of awareness by sharing his personal journey with MND, and through his Foundation has raised vital funds to support the cause. By continuing to work together we can help make life a little easier for people living with MND right now.”  

Sally Light, Chief Executive of the MND Association for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: “We are really pleased and grateful that Doddie is channelling money raised by his Foundation in the last year into our care grants programme once again, ensuring it goes directly to people affected by MND who desperately need it.

“We have a long-standing and comprehensive programme which we know makes such a difference and support like Doddie’s and that of his Foundation’s supporters is vital to us continuing with that.” 

For more information visit: 

www.mndscotland.org.uk, www.mndassociation.org and www.myname5doddie.co.uk.  

Doddie’s coronavirus cash donation

The Foundation set up by former Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir has donated £30,000 to support MND Scotland during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The money is on top of the £250,000 the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has already contributed to MND Scotland’s grants programme.

Doddie, who revealed his MND diagnosis in June 2017, set up the Foundation to help others with the rapidly progressing terminal illness and fund research towards a cure.

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has now stepped up its support during the current crisis by pledging a further £30,000 to MND Scotland for Coronavirus response work. The Foundation has also donated £70,000 to the MND Association of England, Wales and Northern Ireland to help support families across the UK during the pandemic. 

Doddie said: “Having MND puts people in the high risk category of Coronavirus because our respiratory systems are already compromised. That means right now is a very worrying time for us.

“I am determined to do as much as I can to help alleviate some of those concerns. The money will be used by the MND Association in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and by MND Scotland to shore up the support they are offering people with MND at this time.”

Craig Stockton, chief executive of MND Scotland, said: “People with MND are among the most vulnerable in our society and during this very uncertain time, they need us more than ever.

“We are working tirelessly to develop and change the ways in which we support families affected by MND in Scotland, and this boost from Doddie’s foundation will help us stay connected to people when they need us most.”

Sally Light is the chief executive of the MND Association. She said: “We are working really hard to ensure our vital work supporting people with MND continues during the current crisis, while also seeing a dramatic fall in our income following the postponement of so many key events in our fundraising calender.

“We are so grateful to Doddie for this donation which will enable us to continue and step up our support of people living with MND at this very worrying time.”

Doddie’s Big Boost for MND

Rugby legend Doddie Weir continues support for families living with motor neurone disease, with additional funding to charities MND Scotland and the MND Association of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

More than 1,000 people affected by motor neurone disease (MND) have been directly helped by grants funded by the Foundation set up by rugby legend Doddie Weir, who himself has the terminal illness.

That support is set to continue with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation pledging another year of support to MND Scotland and MND Association’s care grants programmes.

The announcement marks the start of a third year of support from the Foundation set up by the former British and Irish Lion and Scottish international. While much of the money raised by the Foundation is directed into research, a significant amount is pledged to directly help people who are living with the disease via the MND Association and MND Scotland.

Doddie’s Foundation has upped its donation to MND Scotland by £100,000 taking the total contribution to £250,000. The Foundation has also donated £400,000 in total to the MND Association.

People affected by MND in Scotland can apply to MND Scotland for care grants to help with the cost of home adaptations – for instance ramps and stairlifts, equipment such as specialist bathroom facilities and riser recliner chairs, and for respite activities for carers and families. The equivalent is available from the MND Association for those living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

MND Scotland helped 250 people affected by MND in 2019, through the charity’s grants programme, awarding almost £300,000 to families in Scotland. The MND Association’s care grants programme totals more than £1million annually for the rest of UK and, in 2019, helped 1,425 people.

Doddie said: “We are delighted to know that we have been able to help so many families over the last two years. There are many challenges to living with MND and it has been my aim to help people in a similar situation to myself live as full a life as possible.

“The grant schemes are vital and we are only able to help in this way thanks to the amazing support we receive from our fundraisers and friends every day.” 

Craig Stockton, MND Scotland’s chief executive, said: “The support from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is helping us provide vital support to even more families across the country, when they need it the most.

“I’d like to thank Doddie and his foundation for their generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of those affected. Through our grants programme we are able to remove some of the additional stress that financial worries can cause, and allow people to concentrate on living their lives.”

The MND Association’s chief executive Sally Light said: “We are so grateful for Doddie’s continuing support of the MND Association and his determination to make life better for people like himself who have received this devastating diagnosis.

“The generous donations from the Foundation and continued partnership with us will make a real difference to those living with MND as well as their carers and loved ones.” 

Jill Douglas is the chief executive of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. She said: “One of our key aims is to give support to families living with MND and we recognise that the MND Association and MND Scotland have the necessary expertise and experience to administer these vital grants on our behalf.

“They are successful partnerships and we very much appreciate the relationships and how they enable us to fulfil this important goal.” 

For more information about MND and the grants available visit www.mndassociation.org/grants or www.mndscotland.org.uk/grants.

Doddie ups donation to MND Scotland

In June last year, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation donated £100,000 to support MND Scotland’s Grants Service to help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with the financial burdens the disease brings.

International rugby player, Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with MND in 2017, has now announced his foundation will up this contribution with another £50,000 donation towards MND Scotland’s grant scheme. Continue reading Doddie ups donation to MND Scotland

Gentle Giant Doddie receives Edinburgh Award

Scottish rugby legend George “Doddie” Weir has been presented with the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2018.

Doddie WeirDoddie Weir
Surrounded by friends, family and familiar faces from professional rugby, Doddie was reunited with a set of his handprints outside the City Chambers before being presented with an engraved Loving Cup from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross.

Continue reading Gentle Giant Doddie receives Edinburgh Award

MND Fightback Dinner celebrates inspirational Lucy Lintott

Yesterday was Global MND Awareness Day, and dinner was held last night in memory of MND campaigner Gordon Aikman to raise funds for MND Scotland. A host of celebrities came together in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease at the “Gordon’s Fightback Dinner”, a tribute to the inspirational Gordon Aikman. Continue reading MND Fightback Dinner celebrates inspirational Lucy Lintott