Tributes have poured in from across Northumberland following the death of rugby legend Doddie Weir.
The former Scotland lock, who played for Newcastle Falcons between 1995 and 2002, died on Saturday, November 26 from motor neurone disease (MND).
Doddie was diagnosed with the incurable condition in 2017, and campaigned passionately through his foundation "My Name'5 Doddie" to fund research into a cure for the disease and provide grants to people living with the condition. As of June, the foundation had raised £8m for MND research.
Read more: Former Newcastle Falcons captain Doddie Weir dies, aged 52, following battle with Motor Neurone Disease
Doddie also had a long association with Northumberland, and was a director of Wark-based Hutchinson Environmental Solutions, a waste management company started by his father-in-law. Following his diagnosis in 2017, Doddie walked the length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for MND research, raising £11,000.
Speaking after his death, the leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson said Doddie was a "Great example of sporting ability, but more so for bravery". Coun Sanderson added: "You played a great game, which will benefit hundreds."
The council's former civic head, Haltwhistle councillor Ian Hutchinson, selected My Name'5 Doddie as his nominated charity to promote and fund raise for during his time in office, and raised a massive £24,500 for the charity.
Coun Hutchinson said: "Doddie was a true gentleman who cared so much for others. His charity will be a lasting legacy helping many more people.
"I am deeply saddened by his passing."
And Corbridge councillor Nick Oliver, a former neighbour of Doddie's, shared a personal memory of the rugby star via social media.
Coun Oliver said: "Very said to hear my old next door neighbour, back when he played at the Falcons, has died. He was a generous man with a sharp sense of humour and a great neighbour.
"The night before we moved out, we popped round for a quick drink and were there well into the early hours."
Doddie's death on Saturday was confirmed by Scottish Rugby with a statement from his family, in which he was described as an "inspirational force of nature".
Edinburgh-born Weir won 61 caps for Scotland and was part of the squad which won the 1999 Five Nations title.
The 6ft 6ins forward was also called up for the British and Irish Lions’ 1997 tour of South Africa, and was part of the Falcons’ Premiership-winning 1997–98 side.
MND affects nerves found in the brain and spinal chord and stops messages from the motor neurons reaching the muscles. . This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste. MND is life-shortening and there is no cure.
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