​Rugby star Doddie Weir calls on Scots to sign up to the MND Scotland Fun Run on 27 August

Rugby star Doddie Weir, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, is encouraging people to sign up for MND Scotland’s 5k Fun Run and Sponsored Walk in Edinburgh on Sunday 27 August.

Doddie launched the annual event at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh with fellow MND Scotland patron Scott Hastings, after announcing his own diagnosis in June for MND Awareness Week.

Scott Hastings, a former Scotland, British and Irish Lions rugby player, said: “As a patron of MND Scotland I have been involved with the charity for many years. Following Doddie’s announcement that he has MND, a group of former rugby internationalists and friends are keen to support him as he comes to terms living with the condition.

“I would encourage everyone to support MND Scotland, so why not start by joining Doddie and I on Sunday 27th August for the charity’s Holyrood Fun Run?”

Lawrence Cowan, chairman of MND Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic that Doddie and Scott are teaming up to support the fightback against Motor Neurone Disease. We need everyone to join them to make our Holyrood Fun Run on 27th August the biggest ever.

“What Doddie has done since his diagnosis to raise awareness of the disease and help support others is inspirational. Everyone at MND Scotland will stand with him and his family every step of the way.

“The race is on to cure MND – and it’s a race this generation must win. Every pound raised next Sunday will bring us a step closer to beating MND.”

MND Scotland provides care and support for people affected by MND and continuously funds for research.

The event starts at 10am on Sunday 27 August and participants can walk, jog, run, or use a wheelchair to complete the 5k route around Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat.

Information about the event is available on the MND Scotland website.