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Former Scottish international rugby player Doddie Weir has died aged 52 according to an announcement made by his family on Saturday November 26. Suffering for several years from Charcot’s disease, he had become a symbol of resistance against this pathology.
It is a giant, both literally and figuratively, who passed away this weekend. Doddie Weir, rugby player, former Scottish international, died at the age of 52 according to his family. A death that comes after 6 years of fighting against Charcot’s disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A last appearance 2 weeks ago
His last public appearance is not far off: it dates back to November 13, for the fictitious kick-off of Scotland – New Zealand at Murrayfield. Surrounded by his family, the former rugby player, however, seemed very weak in his wheelchair. After devoting his life to his sport, the former 2nd line of the XV at Chardon (with 61 selections) was diagnosed with Charcot’s disease in 2016. From then on, he became a symbol of the fight against the disease, for which he created a foundation to advance research, in particular by selling its brand, a yellow and blue tartan suit.
Charcot’s disease, an illness still incurable
Charcot’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a disabling degenerative disease, which results in progressive paralysis of the muscles involved in voluntary motricity. It also affects phonation (the production of sounds) and swallowing. The attack of the respiratory muscles after 3 to 5 years, generally causes the death of the patients. To date, there is no curative treatment for ALS.