'I'm a Celebrity...' star backs petition to rename stand at home of Scottish rugby in honour of Doddie Weir
Last updated 30th Nov 2022
Campaigners behind a petition to rename a stand at the home of Scottish rugby after Doddie Weir have set themselves the target of collecting more than 67,000 signatures - one for every seat inside the stadium.
Murrayfield North (for) Doddie - or MND for short - is one of the suggestions being put forward in recognition of the 61-times capped star's efforts to improve the lives of those with Motor Neurone Disease.
The beloved husband and father, described as "an inspirational force of nature" by his family, passed away on Saturday, aged 52, following a six-year battle with the illness.
And the petition has already attracted more than 8,000 signatures.
Murray Laird launched it following a conversation with Craig Chalmers, who played with Doddie for Melrose and Scotland.
Murray told us: "We've had a lot of support from the rugby community. The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast redid the artwork for me and they've put up on their socials, with (former England players) James Haskell and Mike Tindall, who's just come out the (I'm a Celebrity) jungle sharing it.
"People have left lovely comments on the petition - saying this would be a big thank you for all he's done for rugby and MND, and will keep him in our thoughts.
"Initially, we never even thought of a target; but we're now at 8,000 signatures, so I think if we aim for the capacity of Murrayfield, which is 67,144 - that would be a fitting tribute."
Chalmers revealed it was his son Ben who first suggested the idea to him.
He said: "Doddie just touched so many people throughout the world, but especially in Scotland, with his rugby and his fight against MND. I just think it would be a lovely gesture.
"He spent a lot of time on the pitch at Murrayfield obviously, but he also spent many years in the stands doing the corporate hospitality, until he had to take a step back because of Motor Neurone Disease."
Chalmers suggested the west stand would be "most suitable to be the Doddie Weir Stand", adding: "My abiding memory of Doddie will always be the rugby where we first met, but that smile that he had... whenever you saw Doddie he always made you happy. He was a great guy to be around."
Doddie Weir and his campaigning was recognised during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons today. Rishi Sunak offered his condolences to the Weir family, and praised the rugby legend's efforts to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.
You can add your support by signing the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/doddie-weir-stand