A tartan-liveried tractor has been built by Staffordshire digger giant JCB in honour of Scottish rugby legend Doddy Weir who died of motor neurone disease (MND).
The Fastrac 4220 iCON machine was unveiled at the JCB Landpower factory in Cheadle to support fund-raising for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The charity was founded by the Scotland and British & Irish Lions rugby union international to fund research into the disease.
Its name references his playing number for his clubs, as well as the number of key strategic aims of the Foundation which was set up with the vision of “a world free of MND.”
The Doddie iCON Fastrac in the rugby hero’s own tartan colours is the brainchild of his schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Doddie’s son Angus to watch it roll off the production line.
Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri, to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.
The one-off tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games in Scotland and Northumberland over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor. Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”
So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in Doddie’s name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the disease. It was set up by the rugby icon before he died aged 52 in 2022.
JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.
“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team.
“We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”
Fantastic news. The raising of awareness of MND that high profile people like Doddie Weir and Rob Burroughs will significantly improve the efforts that can be put into finding a cure for this hateful disease. As I am recently diagnosed with MND, this news has warmed my heart this morning.