Rugby legend Doddie Weir has accepted a cask of Scotch whisky in order to raise money for a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.
The MND campaigner visited Diageo’s new Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh on Monday to collect the donation for his My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Diageo donated the cask to mark the official opening of the company’s new offices and as part of its support for Scottish Rugby, ahead of the forthcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship season.
Doddie was joined by Chris Paterson – Scotland’s all-time leading points scorer – to represent Scottish Rugby, which supports the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation as one of its Official Charities.
The 2020 Guinness Six Nations Championship is the first to feature the world’s most popular Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker as Official Whisky Partner of Scottish Rugby and of the Guinness Six Nations.
Ewan Andrew, President of Diageo Global Supply & Procurement, welcomed Doddie and Chris to the new offices and announced the cask donation.
He said: “Doddie Weir is an inspiration to people everywhere with the remarkable bravery of his campaign. It was a privilege to welcome him to our new offices and to share his incredible campaign with our people.
“We have a powerful connection with rugby through our Guinness Title Partnership of the Six Nations Championship and our Johnnie Walker partnership with Scottish Rugby.
What better way to celebrate these partnerships and to mark our move to our new office than by supporting Doddie and his campaign.”
Doddie Weir said: “I am delighted to accept the donation of this cask of Glenkinchie single malt whisky for my foundation.
“The momentum behind the campaign keeps growing and it’s terrific to see companies like Diageo and brands like Johnnie Walker stepping up to show their support and to raise funds.”
Scottish Rugby ambassador Chris Paterson said: “As Doddie continues to inspire us all with his fight against MND, it’s great to see not only the rugby community continue to rally together to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, but iconic brand and valued Scottish Rugby partner, Johnnie Walker, joining the fight.”
A ceremonial cask was unveiled at the Diageo Edinburgh event with Doddie.
Diageo will now work with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation team to select a cask of Glenkinchie single malt and to have it bottled for the charity.
