A heartwarming moment is set to take place at the Doddie Weir Cup clash in the Six Nations this weekend. Mark Williams, a father-of-two who has been battling motor neurone disease (MND) for the past 18 months, will have the honor of delivering the match ball. This inspiring gesture will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, as Wales goes head-to-head with Scotland.
The Doddie Weir Cup match holds special significance this year, as it marks the first time the game has been played in Wales since the passing of the Scottish rugby legend and MND campaigner, Doddie Weir. Weir sadly lost his battle with the disease on November 26, 2022. The match will also serve as the grand finale of Doddie Aid 2024, an annual fundraiser for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established by Weir in 2017 with the aim of funding research into MND. This year’s campaign has already seen an overwhelming response, with hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for the cause. Nearly 20,000 fundraisers have participated in the event, contributing to the ongoing efforts to find a cure for this debilitating disease.
Mark Williams, in his courageous fight against MND, has become an inspiration to others. His involvement in delivering the match ball not only symbolizes his resilience but also highlights the importance of raising awareness and supporting research into MND. This powerful moment reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the unity that can be found in the face of adversity.
As the Doddie Weir Cup clash approaches, the rugby community and supporters from both teams will come together to celebrate the legacy of Doddie Weir and continue the fight against MND.