Kevin Sinfield has written an emotional tribute to Doddie Weir after the former Scotland and British Lions Rugby Union player passed away on Saturday. Weir was a well-known campaigner for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Weir earned 61 Scotland caps in his playing career before retiring in 2004. He was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and used his profile to push for better research into the disease, as well as appealing for improved care to be given to those afflicted by it.
He was a friend of Rob Murrow MBE, who Sinfield has taken numerous physical endurance challenges to raise money to find a cure.
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"Today is a deeply sad day for everyone who knew Doddie but especially his family, who are at the forefront of our thoughts," Sinfield said. "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."
Doddie Weir saw Sinfield and his team off at Murrayfield as Sinfield started his incredible Ultra 7 in 7 challenge. The 42-year-old ran from Edinburgh to Manchester in time for the Rugby League World Cup final and more than doubled his initial fundraising target of £777,777.
Currently standing at over £2million raised, Doddie was an inspiration to Sinfield at the start of the challenge and leaves behind a strong legacy.
"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," Sinfield continued. "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 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."
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