George Doddie Weir, Scotland Rugby legend and former British and Irish lion has confirmed that he has motor neurone disease.
The 46 year old who earned 61 caps between 1990 and 2000 for Scotland made the announcement on Twitter.
His revelation came on the heels of the Global MND Awareness Day and he announced his diagnosis in order to raise awareness of the disease.
Posting on Twitter, he wrote:“something I think you should know” and added a link to the Euan MacDonald Centre, a Scotland-wide research initiative with its base at the University of Edinburgh, one which Doddie has pledged to support.
Doddie Weir said: “Over the past few months a number of friends and family have raised concerns surrounding my health.
“I think then, that on this day set to help raise awareness of the condition, I should confirm that I too have motor neurone disease.”
He further went on to thank the National Health Service in recognising and diagnosing it as yet an incurable disease.
Doddie who is on holidays in New Zealand with his family hopes that once they come back, he can devote time towards raising funds and awareness so as to assist research and help fellow sufferers of the disease.
Well wishes from fans and teammates alike immediately poured in for the legend.
Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s head coach and a former teammate of Doddie assured him of support from the rugby world.
Richard Wigglesworth, England rugby team international also sent in his best wishes while noting the positive outlook and charitable nature Doddie was displaying despite the news.
Some of the other famous people who have suffered from the disease includes World renowned scientist, Stephen Hawking, Labour and Better Together campaigner Gordon Aikman and Rangers Hero Fernando Ricksen.