A FUNDRAISING dinner is being planned in Haddington in aid of former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir as he battles motor neurone disease (MND).

The former Scotland lock, who also represented the British and Irish Lions during his career, was diagnosed with MND last year.

The 47-year-old father-of-three launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to raise funds for the incurable condition.

And the East Lothian rugby community has got on board, with Richard Scott, a long-time member at Haddington RFC, putting together An Evening With Doddie in East Lothian.

Mr Scott, who works for Haddington-based farm machinery suppliers Thomas Sherriff & Co, told the Courier: “Doddie is the type of guy that would do anything to help you out.

“Anytime Haddington RFC have asked Doddie to help out at events he has assisted or would find someone else who could.

“He has helped out at other clubs in East Lothian and with many charity events over the years.

“Putting aside Doddie’s rugby connections, he has many connections with the farming fraternity and certainly in East Lothian with long-term friendships with the Thomson family from Lammerview Farm at Athelstaneford and Tommy Wason to name but a few.

“So when I heard Doddie had MND, straight away I felt East Lothian should pull together and hold a fundraising event.”

Mr Scott then approached Mark Leonard, a fellow member at Haddington RFC, as well as his sister-in-law Lindsey Niznik and ex-Scotland rugby captain and former North Berwick RFC head coach Jason White to help organise the event.

The evening, which will take place in the Corn Exchange in Haddington on March 23, includes a three-course meal and entertainment, including Scottish rugby legends as the guest speakers.

Dougie Vipond is set to compere the event, for which tickets are now on sale at £700 per table of 10.

Mr Scott told the Courier that each of the county’s rugby clubs had already committed to taking a table at the event, to which people are encouraged to wear ‘funky tartan’ – to match Doddie’s usually flamboyant tartan suits.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/aneveningfordoddieineastlothian23.3.18