Doddie's Diary

When he was diagnosed with MND in 2016, Doddie Weir's life suddenly took a completely new direction. The public response to the news was so overwhelming that, totally unexpectedly, Doddie instantly became a talisman and standard-bearer for those desperately seeking a cure or some way to halt Motor Neuron Disease. It was a platform he has been determined to use to the max. For the last five years, Doddie has lived life at full tilt, tirelessly raising money for his My Name'5 Doddie Foundation while at the same time living with a disease that is debilitating, unpredictable and incurable. Having now achieved the major life goal of turning 50 -- a day some thought he may never see -- and having collected numerous honours and awards during that time, Doddie now tells the incredible inside story of what life has really been like over an astonishing five years during which he has met remarkable people, done amazing things and raised awareness as well as nearly £10m in a massive fundraising effort, funds that have gone straight into research, drug testing and care and assistance for his fellow sufferers. As Doddie says: 'I never set out to take the lead role. It just kind of happened - a bit like MND itself. But with an amazing team, dedicated individuals from the medical world, and the immense generosity of people throughout the land and the rugby world, we are making a fight of it.' This is the extraordinary behind-the-scenes story of the first five years of that fight as Doddie lifts the lid on the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, and the stories that have never been told before. It's also the story of an astonishing man who simply refuses to give in as he brings his incredible positivity and legendary sense of humour to the battle against MND. Like his playing career, it's another battle he is determined to win. 'Lucid, brave and full of the wit and character that makes him the legend he is.' -- Rory Bremner on My Name'5 Doddie