Celtic team up with former rugby star Doddie Weir for MND charity football match

Celtic have teamed up with former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir to organise a charity football match to support research aimed at tackling motor neurone disease (MND).
Doddie Weir at the launch of a fundraising effort in support of MND charities by Celtic FC. Picture: Gary Hutchison\SNS GroupDoddie Weir at the launch of a fundraising effort in support of MND charities by Celtic FC. Picture: Gary Hutchison\SNS Group
Doddie Weir at the launch of a fundraising effort in support of MND charities by Celtic FC. Picture: Gary Hutchison\SNS Group

The football club said the Lions' Roar match at Celtic Park on May 8 would feature players from the worlds of football, rugby and entertainment.

The net proceeds will go towards research into the disease and providing care to sufferers through the Celtic FC Foundation and the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

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MND sufferer Weir has helped raise more than £5 million through his foundation while Celtic's involvement is partially in tribute to the man voted their greatest ever player, Jimmy Johnstone, who died from the disease in 2006.

Weir said: "We have only been in existence for less than three years, but in that time we have raised over £5 milllion, all of which has gone to helping in the fight against MND, in the shape of funding towards research across the country, extensive drug trials, the purchasing of drugs, and to directly help fellow MND sufferers and their families.

"For many of us, MND first came to our attention more than a decade ago when Celtic and Scotland legend Jimmy Johnstone eventually succumbed to this horrible condition. Little was known about MND then compared to now, however in terms of a cure or positive treatment, little has advanced on that front.

"Other high-profile sportsmen have had their lives blighted and ultimately ended by MND, thus far an incurable disease. However, our fight to find a cure will continue, but to achieve that we must keep MND and our battle against it in the public eye, something this footballing spectacle will achieve."

Agnes Johnstone, the widow of the Celtic great, said: "Our family is so honoured that Jimmy's legacy and memory is now being used in such a positive way to help others.

"Like Doddie, Jimmy faced a huge fight against MND and he tackled his challenge with real courage and determination.

"We would like to thank Celtic and Doddie for all their great work in supporting the fight against MND.

"Doddie is a true inspiration to us all and our family are watching with genuine admiration.

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"We hope as many people as possible support Doddie and Celtic through this great event, so that so many other deserving people can benefit."

Tickets are priced £14 for adults and £6 for concessions and are available to Celtic season ticket holders before going on public sale on March 16.

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