Connect with us

Super League

Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow’s good friend Doddie Weir passes away with MND

When Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, he could have been isolated, but he wasn’t.

He had an army of friends, mostly former teammates, supporting such as Kevin Sinfield who has raised £7 million in the fight against the disease.

However, a key friend that Burrow made at the start of the journey was former Scottish Rugby Union international Doddie Weir.

Weir was diagnosed with MND six years ago and has raised millions through his My Name’s Doddie Foundation following his diagnosis in 2016.

He made 61 caps for Scotland from the 1990s through to the 2000s.

After a long battle and helping Burrow prepare for his own fight against the disease back in 2019, Doddie has sadly passed away today at the age of 52.

It comes just after Sinfield, running for the MND community started his latest challenge in Edinburgh for Doddie and even made his way to important landmarks in Doddie’s life.

He will be sorely missed by Burrow and Sinfield and all those who suffer with MND who have been inspired by him.

His family though will sadly be affected by this the most and our thoughts are with them at this time.

“Doddie was an inspirational force of nature,” said the Weir family to the BBC.

“We are lucky to have shared our lives with him and we cherish all those memories: his love and warmth, his support and advice, his quick wit, and his terrible jokes. It is difficult to put into words how much we will miss him.

“MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. He battled MND so bravely, and whilst his own battle may be over, his fight continues through his foundation, until a cure is found for all those with this devastating disease.

“Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your support and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”

The Leeds Rhinos have paid tribute to Doddie themselves:

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Super League