A WIRRAL rugby club has raised more than £15,000 for motor neurone disease.

Prenton Rugby Club hosted a "tartan takeover" featuring activities to raise money for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation. The charity was set up by the late rugby player and sporting legend George Wilson “Doddie” Weir.

He made 61 international appearances for the Scotland National Team and represented the British and Irish Lions. He became involved with campaigning and fundraising, setting up a foundation named “My Name’5 Doddie” which had raised £8 million for motor neurone disease research by the time he died from this condition aged 52.

Prenton Rugby Club along with club members Bobby Andrews and Peter Collins hosted the charity fundraiser where they recalled how Doddie Weir was a “larger than life” character  who attended dinner talks at the club.

Prenton’s Gordon Knapman said: “Prenton Rugby Club is an example of how a sports organisation can make a positive impact on the local community and beyond. For more than three decades, the club has been offering not only rugby training and matches but also a range of social and environmental initiatives that benefit the residents of the Prenton estate and beyond.”

“The club has created a community garden and nature footpaths and we teach young people nature skills. We provide clothing and well-being activities for people of all ages and work with the community payback team, as well as providing a space for other charities and organisations to host events. We are bound by the bonds of rugby and through the sport we can truly make a difference.”

The event, which was held on Saturday, September 2, started with a tartan ribbon cutting from former Ireland International Christian Saverimutto followed by a piper’s lament. The day features highland games, tag rugby, tug of wear, juggling lessons, airsoft shooting range, raffles and auctions.

Rugby matches were also played between Prenton’s 1st XV and Capenhurst and Prenton’s 2nd and Wirral.

The memorial event was symbolised by a Doddie Weir suit and badge that will be passed on to the next club that hosts such an event in his name and for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation — a symbol of solidarity that Prenton hope will travel the world.