PRENTON Rugby Club has raised over £15,000 for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation for motor neurone disease. On 2 September 2023, the club hosted a huge tartan takeover — with a wide range of activities to raise money for the late rugby player’s charity that was set up in his name.

George Wilson “Doddie” Weir was a legend of rugby who made 61 international appearances for the Scotland National Team and represented the British & Irish Lions. He became involved with campaigning and fundraising, setting up a foundation named “My Name’5 Doddie” which had raised £8 million for motor neurone disease research by the time that he died from this condition aged 52.

Prenton Rugby Club hosted the special charity fundraiser in his name thanks to the initiative of club members Bobby Andrews and Peter Collins. Fondly recalling how Doddie Weir was a larger than life character who attended dinner talks at the club and went well above and beyond, Bobby gathered club members such as Peter Collins to host a huge fundraiser in his memory.

The family friendly event kicked off at 1pm with a tartan ribbon cutting from former Ireland International Christian Saverimutto followed by a poignant piper’s lament. The day then featured The Highland Games For Kids, Tag Rugby For Kids, a Tug Of War competition, juggling lessons, an airsoft shooting range, raffles and auctions with huge prizes such as a signed Ireland 23 Grand Slam Jersey donated by Mike Catt.

The memorial event was symbolised by a Doddie Weir suit and badge that will be passed on to the next club that hosts such an event in his name and for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation — a symbol of solidarity that Prenton hope will travel the world.

During the huge tartan takeover event, rugby matches were played between Prenton’s 1st XV and Capenhurst and Prenton’s 2nd and Wirral. The event was supported by international rugby figures such as Leilani Latu and Andy Craig — proving that rugby is a powerful vehicle and a club can indeed be #morethanjustarugbyclub.

The idea was for rugby to come together and recognise 1 of the sport’s true greats, whilst raising awareness and money for the cruel disease that took him too early. With the late summer sun beating down on the Prenton site, the event was a huge success and 1 of the many great community initiatives from the club that has now become a community hub.

Prenton RUFC Community Hub aims to revolutionise the role of a rugby club in today’s society — by using rugby as a tool to combat issues such as obesity, mental health problems and isolation. Prenton RUFC Community Hub has already been combatting such issues through outreach and fundraising events, their community garden and various other projects.

Prenton’s Gordon Knapman said:- “Prenton Rugby Club is an example of how a sports organisation can make a positive impact on the local community and beyond. For more than three decades, the club has been offering not only rugby training and matches but also a range of social and environmental initiatives that benefit the residents of the Prenton estate and beyond. The club has created a community garden and nature footpaths and we teach young people nature skills. We provide clothing and well-being activities for people of all ages and work with the community payback team, as well as providing a space for other charities and organisations to host events. We are bound by the bonds of rugby and through the sport we can truly make a difference.”
 

Prenton RUFC Community Hub’s charity event in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir on Saturday, 2 September 2023 raised over £15,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for motor neurone disease, adding to the circa £15,000 total also raised for Maggie’s recently in a similar initiative.