Former Scotland rugby union international Doddie Weir is joining the fight to tackle Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after revealing he has been diagnosed with the condition.
Weir, who won 61 Scotland caps and played for the British and Irish Lions in a glittering career, made the announcement on Tuesday, which is Global MND Awareness Day and designed to raise awareness.
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The 46-year-old is joining forces with researchers from Edinburgh University in their quest to better understand the disease, in the hope that it will eventually lead to new therapies.
He has already received numerous messages of support from stars all over the globe:
Legend. Anything you need mate.
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) June 20, 2017
Thinking of you Doddie. Always a man I have admired and respected.
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) June 20, 2017
So sorry to hear Doddie. Already turning it into something positive and looking to help, what a legend. Best wishes.
— Richard Wigglesworth (@rwiggy9) June 20, 2017
Very sorry to hear this news Doddie! You’re a great man!
— Henry Fraser (@henryfraser0) June 20, 2017
Sorry to hear the news big man. Here to help if you need me. Love to the family. Noony
— Jamie Noon (@noony_13) June 20, 2017
Very sad to hear that Doddie Weir has MND. Channelling all his enthusiasm & energy into research. V best wishes. https://t.co/5LcHFaJh5R
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) June 20, 2017
Sad news as Scottish Rugby legend #DoddieWeir announces his diagnosis of #MND https://t.co/FS67Gc2waT #CureMND pic.twitter.com/7qsHan7QOz
— MND Scotland (@MNDScotland) June 20, 2017
News that at 46 Scottish international Doddie Weir has motor neurone disease is devastating. Great player Great man. Thoughts and prayers
— Ric Salizzo (@ricsalizzo) June 20, 2017
Doddie Weir was my first rugby hero. Such desperately sad news. Sure we’ll all get behind him and his efforts to raise awareness of MND
— Cammy Black (@CammyBlack) June 20, 2017
You total legend, how a to turn a negative into something more positive. Your strength overwhelms me. Much love to you all.
— Judith@weather (@JudithRalston) June 20, 2017
Sad news mate. I know you’ll fight it in your own unique style. Very best wishes 👊👊👊👊
— George Chuter (@george_chuter) June 20, 2017
We will be lending any and all support required to our former player @DoddieWeir5 https://t.co/fxnpTI7qRE pic.twitter.com/RAeWm4yHSX
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) June 20, 2017
Thoughts with Dodie Weir and his family. # MND is a ruthless illness and we need to find a solution fast.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) June 20, 2017
The Lions family send their best wishes to Doddie. https://t.co/n0S4jiG8vq
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 20, 2017