Doddie Weir calls for all MND patients to be on coronavirus high risk list

Rugby legend Doddie Weir has asked the health secretary to put Motor Neurone Disease patients on the ‘very vulnerable’ list during the pandemic

The former Scotland international player, who was born in the Borders, has been living with the disease since 2017 and set up his own charity to fund vital research.

He released a video on Wednesday evening asking Matt Hancock why people with MND are not included on the list of very high risk people.

People included on the list include those with cancer who may fall extremely unwell if they contract Covid-19. They are entitled to support from the UK Government, such as assistance with medication and food deliveries.

In the clip Doddie thanked the work of the NHS and Matt Hancock before saying: “My name is Doddie Weir and I have MND - a terminal illness with short and long term issues. I need your help

"Why is MND not on the very vulnerable persons list? Would it be possible you to work with MND Association and MND Scotland to change this?

“People with MND have a hard life in itself, never mind trying to fight the coronavirus.

“Please help us stay alive as long as possible. Thank you.”

Doddie Weir has lived with MND since 2017. Credit: PA

MND Scotland provides care and support to people affected by the disease, as well as funding vital research into finding a cure.

The charity supports Doddie's plea. A spokesperson said: "Within Scotland we are aware that the Scottish government has taken the additional step of writing to clinicians asking them to identify which of their patients are considered to be at most risk and as such should be part of the ‘shielding’ group.

"Due to the nature of Motor Neurone Disease we are calling for all MND patients to be considered as vulnerable and to have access to this additional support."

It was revealed in January that Weir's charity, My Name'5 Doddie, has invested almost £4million into MND research and has helped hundreds of families who live with the disease.

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