Doddie Weir delivered an inspiring message and thank you at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards as he was honoured for his awareness and fundraising work to help research into motor neurone disease.
The award is given annually for ‘outstanding achievement in the face of adversity’, which in Doddie’s case has been raising almost £5 million for research and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, the currently-incurable condition with which he has been diagnosed.
Weir’s My Name’5 Foundation helps to improve the lives of those affected by motor neurone disease. The former Scotland lock was diagnosed with MND in 2016.
“It’s quite ironic being a Scottish rugby player in the 90s. This is the closest I’ve ever got to a trophy.”
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 16, 2019
Doddie Weir was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award at this year’s #SPOTY
Catch up on all the winners here 👉 https://t.co/Gx41WWvyTa pic.twitter.com/dmlsE4zPfy
Receiving an incredible reception at a packed arena in Aberdeen, there was not a dry eye in the house as the inspirational Scot received his trophy from Princess Anne.
Doddie said: “I would not be stood here today without the love and support of everyone who has helped my foundation raise almost £5 million to try and find a cure for MND.”
Summing up after an emotional speech, he added: “The other thing that rugby has taught me is to enjoy yourself. Enjoy today, because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
This year’s Helen Rollason award goes to a man who has shown immense bravery and incredible heart in adversity.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 15, 2019
This is @DoddieWeir5 story…
❤
👉 https://t.co/Gx41WWvyTa#SPOTY pic.twitter.com/SQy3crkLah
“Enjoy the day, because you never know what happens tomorrow.”
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 15, 2019
Doddie Weir is going to enjoy himself tonight.
And rightly so!
Watch #SPOTY 👉 https://t.co/Gx41WWN9KI pic.twitter.com/03FS1LVccK
His former club Newcastle Falcons will again be helping raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation on Saturday December 28 when a game at Kingston Park Stadium sees a Falcons XV and Melrose competing for the Doddie’s Club Trophy.
Tickets for the match are available by clicking here, with a special hospitality package also available by clicking here.
A Christmas jumper has been produced to mark the occasion, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Doddie’s foundation. To buy, click here.