Fundraising from Banff Rugby Club’s anniversary year supports Doddie Weir foundation
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Banff Rugby Club raised more than £3000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation during celebrations for its 45th anniversary.
Representatives from the club presented a cheque for £3103 to representatives from the foundation during an Easter Trail event on Saturday, March 30.
The monies donated were raised at a celebratory dinner, which took place at the town’s Fife Lodge Hotel last September, marking the club’s milestone.
A range of items were auctioned off at the event - which had former Scottish international Craig Chalmers as its guest speaker - including a bust of Doddie Weir himself, created by renowned Penicuik artist, Jan Miller.
Former club president Bob Philips presented the cheque for £3,103.00 to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation volunteer Morven Mackenzie, who also manages the North and Midlands team, which takes part in Doddie Aid, the charity’s annual flagship event.
Doddie Weir was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities, earning 61 caps for Scotland during a highly successful playing career.
He represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, and won championships with his two club sides, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons.
Mr Weir was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017 and died six years later at the age of 52.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up to raise funds to aid research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures.
Mr Philips said: “Doddie was such a fantastic personality both on and off the field and his attitude and drive following his diagnosis was inspirational.
“Motor neurone disease is such a horrible and cruel disease. Suffice to say, everyone at the club was keen to play a part in helping the charity achieve its goal of a world free of MND.
“The idea of the fundraising dinner was something that was initiated by club member John Mathers and me, but a huge thanks goes to Kevin Davidson of Davidson Financial Services who not only did the bulk of the event organisation but was also a major sponsor.
“Our other main sponsor was Kenway Tyre Services. Owner Alan Kennedy supported the event in numerous ways and also bought the bust of Doddie Weir in the auction, before very kindly donating it to the club.
“We cannot thank all those involved enough for helping us mark our 45th anniversary and for raising much needed funds for such a worthy organisation.”
Ms Mackenzie said: “The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation cannot carry out the great work that it does, without the support of clubs like Banff Rugby Club.
“Bob and the team did a tremendous job of raising funds for the charity and the foundation would like to thank him and the club members for their support.”
More information about the charity can be found at www.myname5doddie.co.uk
More information about Banff Rugby Club can be found at the www.banffrfc.co.uk website.
