A SCOTTISH rugby legend stopped off at Dunbar Grammar School after being contacted by a pupil whose grandfather has motor neurone disease (MND).

Doddie Weir announced he was diagnosed with the condition in June 2017 and visited the school late last month.

Pupils presented him with a cheque for more than £1,000, with the money collected through a dress down day, bake sales and donations from the School of Rugby presentation evening.

The four-figure sum will go to the former Scotland lock’s foundation, My Name’5 Doddie.

The former Newcastle Falcons man was invited by S1 pupil Holly Berry-Shotton, a member of the school’s active charities com-mittee.

Holly’s grandad, Bob Shot-ton, lives with MND south of the Border and she, along with her fellow committee members, was keen to raise awareness of the condition, as well as money for the good cause.

Following a discussion with her parents, Holly, of Dunbar, emailed My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

S1 pupil Holly said: “I was delighted to hear Doddie Weir was taking the time to come to Dunbar.

“He’s a lovely man. I’m also very excited to share the information and videos with my grandad.”

During the visit to the school, the charity committee presented the 48-year-old former rugby star with a cheque for £1,102.52.

Doddie shared his experiences of living with MND at a special assembly in the school’s new social hub.

He spoke of the work that his foundation is doing to raise funds for research into the incurable disease, including gene therapy, and also to support people living with MND.

Pupils also had the opportunity to put their own questions, covering his rugby career, Six Nations predictions and his positive attitude in the face of his diagnosis, to Doddie.

The rugby star, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2019 New Year Honours List for services to rugby, Motor Neurone Disease research and the Scottish Borders community, explained that it was the same determination that drove his rugby career that was fuelling his charity work and his desire to further research.

He encouraged pupils to make the most of all opportunities and experiences offered to them and discussed the benefits of sport for health, wellbeing and being part of a supportive community.

Doddie, who was born in Edinburgh, said it was Holly’s personal approach that led to his visit.

He said: “This is the first time I have gone to a school after receiving an email from a pupil.

“Holly’s message spoke about her grandad and the work Dunbar Grammar pupils were doing to raise awareness and funds.

“I’m really grateful to her and the school for inviting me and for all that they’ve done.”

Claire Slowther, headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School, praised Holly for her hard work.

She said: “I am immensely proud of Holly. Her hard work and determination to raise awareness and funds for MND research has been exemplary.

“Our charities committee do an amazing job throughout the year, and this event is another example of their brilliant efforts.

“Doddie’s words were utterly inspirational. He was so engaging and his message of living bravely, seizing opportunities and challenging yourself to be your best ties in with the vision and values of DGS.

“This is a very special day for Dunbar Grammar and one which our students and staff will always remember.”