Rugby legend Doddie Weir has sent a powerful message to the UK Government asking for motor neurone disease patients to be included on the “very vulnerable” persons list.
In a powerful video message the rugby legend said: “Mr Matt Hancock, Health Secretary – firstly I’d like to thank you, your team, all the NHS and anyone else involved in trying to fight the coronavirus.
“My name is Doddie Weir, I have MND, motor neurone disease, a terminal illness with horrific short and long term issues. I need your help.
"So I ask you why is MND not on the very vulnerable persons list?
“Would it be possible for you and your team to work with MND Association and MND Scotland to change this.
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“People with MND have a hard life in itself, never mind trying to fight the coronavirus.
“Please help us stay alive as long as possible.”
LIST | 8 GREAT DODDIE WEIR MOMENTS: AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND
Doddie Weir was a giant in the world of Scottish rugby, in more ways than one.
Not only was Doddie a hugely key player to the Scottish national side in the 1990s but the 6'6 lock towered above opponents on a regular basis with commentator Bill McLaren describing Weir "On the charge like a mad giraffe."
The 49-year-old was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2016.
The following year, he launched his charity, the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which seeks to aid research into the disease and improve the lives of those with MND.
The former Melrose and Newcastle Falcons lock won 61 caps for Scotland.
Here are eight of our favourite Doddie moments from down the years:
1. Hard as nails
We will start off by heading back to 1999. The Scotland lock, was representing the Barbarians against Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, took a huge punch to the chin from rugby hard man Martin Johnson.
Of course, he didn't go down!
2. His only Championship try
Weir scored just once in the Five Nations - this try against Ireland in the course of a powerful Scotland victory in Edinburgh in 1997 - and he beat four would-be Irish tacklers in doing so!
3. Premiership Champion
He moved to England in 1995 to join the Newcastle Falcons and was part of the Premiership winning side of 1997–98. A special season still spoken about by Falcons fans on a very regular basis.
4. Honours
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to rugby, to motor neurone disease research and to the community in the Scottish Borders
5. First class delivery
In 2017, Scotland welcomed back the legend to the pitch today to deliver the match ball for Scotland v New Zealand.
6. His Smash-o-meter
Austin Healey provides Weir with extra incentive as he tackles Rugby Tonight's Smash-o-meter.
7. Award winner
In 2019, Princess Anne presented Doddie Weir with the Helen Rollason Award for “outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.” Truly well deserved. Their wasn't a dry eye in the room as he delivered an incredible speech.
8. Doddie Weir Cup
It was established as a perpetual rugby union trophy between Scotland and Wales in 2018. The cup was created to bring awareness to motor neurone disease following the locks diagnosis. A well-deserved accolade.
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