THE My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has shared some wonderful never before seen photos of the Scottish schools’ side that toured New Zealand in summer 1988.
And many of that squad came together last week to take part in the Doddie 88 challenge, which involves a 65km cycle and 23km walk from Carter Bar on the Scottish Border to the iconic Doddie statue at Murrayfield over just two days (Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17).
The fundraisers have already raised more than £20,000 for the cause, and hope to hit £88,000 in memory of their former teammate and friend.
Scrum-half Andy Nicol, who won 23 caps for Scotland, including the famous Calcutta Cup win at Murrayfield in 2000, and was also a member of two Lions tours in 1993 and 2001, said: “Doddie was a force of nature when he was alive so we are duty bound to keep that legacy going now that he is no longer with us.
“His selfless approach to his diagnosis blew me away. It was never about Doddie, it was all about helping others, and he was furious that there had only been one drug developed over 20 years to help people cope with MND.
“I don’t think MND had a voice in 2016, Doddie changed that, and his strongest legacy is, not just the near £8m raised, it is that MND now has a voice.”
“It will be incredible to reconnect with boys that I had an unbelievable experience with 35 years ago and to keep Doddie’s legacy going. Doddie was an inspiration when he was alive, and he remains so after his passing. He was a great player, a great man, and a great inspiration to millions.”
Gary Kenhard, captain of the 1988 tour, is the driving force behind the Doddie 88 Challenge, and is relishing leading the team once again.
He said: “It is fantastic that so many members of the ’88 squad have come together for Doddie.
“Teammates are travelling from France, Singapore, Gibraltar, Australia, and Canada – it’s incredible. I can fully understand why they are coming; it was a special tour, with special people, and at the centre of it all was the magnificent Doddie Weir. I was proud to lead the lads back then and having Doddie as a teammate, made the tour an absolute pleasure.
“Doddie was the type of person who would run alongside you in your time of need. Although we are not as fit as we once were, we are steadfastly determined to return Doddie’s support by putting in a shift which raises as much cash as possible for MND.”
Dollar Academy fly-half Gary Sisman tragically died in an aviation accident in 1992.
Kenhard added: “Gary was a brilliant outside half and a fantastic tourist. Our thoughts are always with his family as we remember two fallen friends.”
To donate to the Doddie 88 Challenge; visit justgiving.com/fundraising/doddie88
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