Tributes have been paid to “the drive of nature” Doddie Weir – the rugby hero who has died aged 52
The. former Scotland worldwide had been clinically determined with motor neurone affliction six years ago
He. was awarded an OBE after going on to raise millions by way of his My Name’5 Doddie foundation
The. Prince and Princess of Wales mentioned Weir’s “immense talent on the pitch as well as his tireless efforts to raise consciousness of MND have been an inspiration”.
“He will be vastly missed”, they tweeted,. including that he was a “hero”.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described Weir as “one of our nation’s sporting legends”. She tweeted:. “This is so terribly sad”
“The. brave means he responded to MND surpassed something ever achieved on the rugby pitch,” she added
“He. refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to support others. My condolences to his adored ones”
Prime. Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned “rest in peace” and all his family’s thoughts have been with Weir’s family
Rebus. author Ian Rankin described father-of-three Weir’s dying as “hellish news”
He. added: “He did so much to raise consciousness of MND – and also raised a lot of money for charity after his diagnosis. Rest easy, Big Man”
‘Much. loved’
Recalling the rapturous welcome which Weir obtained from fans when he appeared at Murrayfield earlier this month, TV presenter and broadcaster Dan Walker said: “I hope his family by no means neglect how much he was loved”
There. have been also tributes from two fellow sporting greats who have tackled life-threatening illnesses
Former. Scotland rugby worldwide Scott Hastings, who has obtained chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, said: “We lost the most lovable man in the world right this moment. Doddie Weir we will honour your legacy & find a cure for MND”
Former Celtic and Wales footballer John Hartson, who recovered from testicular melanoma which unfold to his brain in 2009, tweeted: “RIP Doddie Weir. fought until the end. Raised so much consciousness for MND . thoughts are with the Weir family at this unhappy time”
The. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation described its patron as “a drive of nature, a great family man, large rugby player and adored and respected by all who knew him”
Scotland. Secretary Alister Jack described Weir as a “titan” who will be remembered for his “dignity” in the face of MND.
“Doddie took on sickness with the similar courage he showed on the rugby pitch and was an inspiration for those affected by the similar terrible disease”
Mr. Jack provided his condolences to Weir’s family and mentioned his charity would “continue his legacy”.
‘A life full of enjoyable and love’
The foundation’s CEO Jill Douglas – a close pal of Weir’s, added: “Doddie enjoyed a full life full of enjoyable and love
“And. it was this strategy to life which shone by way of in his determination to make a distinction and support others when he was clinically determined with motor neurone disease
“Our. imaginative and prescient of a world free of MND stays at the coronary heart of our technique. As we look to the future, we will honour Doddie’s name and supply on his legacy”
The. MND Association said Weir as “an inspiration to many”
A. assertion issued by the charity said: “We’re sorry to hear that Doddie Weir OBE has died. Since sharing his MND diagnosis in 2017, Doddie became an inspiration to many, elevating consciousness and campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those with MND
“Our. thoughts are with Doddie’s wife Kathy, his 3 sons, family and friends”
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