AN emotional Carl Hogg says he has been blown away by the courage shown by his close friend Doddie Weir in his battle against motor neurone disease.

Worcester Warriors’ head coach helped to secure more than £6,000 for the Doddie Weir’5 Trust when he took part in a fund-raising walk from Upton Rugby Club to Ledbury Rugby Club.

Weir, who won 61 caps for Scotland, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which causes damage to the nervous system, in July last year.

But Hogg insisted the incurable condition had not held Weir back as the 47-year-old established his charitable foundation in a bid to generate much-needed funds.

Hogg played alongside Weir at Melrose and Scotland and had forged a strong bond since they first met when teenagers.

“I have known Doddie since I was 14 or 15 years old,” Hogg said.

“He has been my best mate through life and rugby and I think the courage he has displayed over the last year has been absolutely phenomenal.

“It has blown me away. I always knew he was a tough bloke on a rugby field but I didn’t realise he was this tough.

“I think he’s a credit to himself and his family so I think everyone in the rugby community would want to support him because he was not only a great rugby player but is also a great bloke.”

Worcester players Chris Pennell and Will Butler and Gloucester star Ross Moriarty joined Hogg in taking part in the 12-mile walk, organised by Hanley Swan-based former Scotland international Peter Walton.

There was also an auction to help boost their total.

“I think rugby is a great sport where people come together in adversity and the support the rugby community have shown Doddie has been great,” Hogg said.

“I have been blown away by the support he has been given but also the strength and courage he has shown.”

Hogg said he was determined to help Weir raise money to investigate the causes and potential cures for MND and make grants to individuals suffering from the illness.

“There’s obviously an immediate concern to make sure his wife Kathy and the boys are looked after when Doddie’s no longer here,” Hogg added.

“But long term it is about raising awareness for MND.

“There is no medicine, procedure or therapy that you can take — and that’s the most frustrating thing for Doddie.

“There is nothing out there to even give him hope and I think he wants to raise enough money to invest in research that gives people hope.”

For more information or to make a further donation, go to walkfordoddie.co.uk.