Former Scotland rugby worldwide Doddie Weir has died on the age of 52 following a prolonged battle with motor neurone illness (MND).
His spouse Kathy stated he was a “true family man” and it was “difficult to put into words how much we will miss him”.
She stated in a press release, launched by Scotland Rugby: “Doddie was an inspirational force of nature.
“His endless vitality and drive, and his energy of character powered him by his rugby and enterprise careers and, we imagine, enabled him to combat the consequences of MND for therefore a few years.
“MND took so much from Doddie, but never his spirit and determination. Hamish, Angus, Ben and I would like to thank everyone for your support.”
Weir, who was six toes six, performed as a ahead and was recognized for crunching tackles and thunderous carries, profitable his first cap for Scotland towards Argentina in 1990.
The late BBC commentator Bill McLaren as soon as famously described him as being “on the charge like a mad giraffe”.
After being identified with MND he stated he was going to “crack on”.
He advised The Sunday Times: “I’ve not had a big melt, even at home, because I’m not sure it would help. Maybe the odd time in the car. But again I go back to my life. I’ve had a fantastic life. So crack on.”
The MND Association stated that since sharing his prognosis in 2017, Weir had “became an inspiration to many” by elevating consciousness and “campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those” with the illness.
Nicola Sturgeon stated Weir’s dying was “so terribly sad”.
Scotland’s first minister tweeted: “Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.
“He refused to let it dim his spirit and did a lot to assist others. My condolences to his family members.”
Source: information.sky.com”