A GROUP of rugby-playing firefighters have presented Doddie Weir with a special helmet after travelling to his Borders home.

The gesture was to say thank you for his support for their teams over the years.

Doddie accepted the unique helmet which had been wrapped in the tartan of his charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

At the presentation were Stuart Irwin (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, retired); Colin Scott (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, retired); Mark Rose (Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service); and watch commander Dave Farries – the community safety engagement officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

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Retired director of rugby, Stuart said: “Doddie has always been a great friend to Fire Service Rugby in the UK. The men’s and women’s representative matches at Manchester and Percy Park Rugby clubs will long be remembered as some of the best and most entertaining events we ever enjoyed over the years, and lead of course by Doddie.

“We wanted to give him this unique fire service gift to show that we ‘UK Fire Service Rugby’ are with him and his family and to thank him for his support.”

Watch commander Dave Farries added: “It was a privilege to be invited along to the presentation to honour Doddie. Spending time in his company on a Sunday morning and engaging in some Borders banter was a real treat and something I’ll always remember. He is an inspiration. His attitude, fight and determination are lessons for us all.”