Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby talk living with motor neurone disease (MND)

Sally Nugent meets Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby in an exclusive interview for BBC Breakfast. The three of them have all been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
All at different stages of the disease, this is the first time the trio have met. They talk openly with each other about the incurable condition, the impact on them and their families.

[@patrickstocks3576]

RIP 🪦 Rob Burrow Aged 41 1982-2024 👼🏽😇✝️🙏🕊🥲

[@christineminikin8962]

I can empathize with these courageous heroes of our time. I too was diagnosed with mnd two years ago and battle through each day of whatever time I have left.....with courage, humour and few tears. Respect to you guys......💕💕

[@stevenclark1973]

I hope you're ok - my dad had mnd... I never knew what it was until I got home and researched... keep going, keep fighting... who knows what's around the corner... keep hope x

[@bignick1664]

Wish you all the best buddy. Keep fighting 👊🏿

[@rajthakkar5911]

I lost my wife to this cruel horrific and brutal disease 3 years ago, just 6 months after diagnosis. She was just 44. These guys are true MND ambassadors and heroes for their awareness and fund raising. RIP Doddie and Rob 😢

[@stevenclark1973]

Why would anyone downthumb this video!?!? Some really sick thick people in this world. These 3 are kings in my eyes. Keep fighting.... keep hoping.... keep going....You're not alone... we're all with you along the way. xxx

[@cryptonomous888]

RIP Rob. What a great guy 🙏🕊️

[@alanlittle3941]

3 amazing lads. So glad they are supporting each other❤

[@wasmanhammer3917]

Devastating to hear doddie has passed , a real character and a real man . The courage he and his family have shown us should push us all ….to just try harder, Doddie the proud Scotsman the bravest man! Much respect and immense sympathy to the family and friends of this giant of men.

[@rhodsullivan7773]

RIP Doddle. You were an inspiration to many and will remain so. Thanks for the memories on an off the pitch.

[@2smooththeone]

Hes alive

[@robbpatterson6796]

@@2smooththeone no he isn't. He died in 2022. There's a thing called "google" check it out some time

[@NLTJ]

​@@2smooththeone No, he died in November 2022. Him and Rob Burrow has passed away.

[@ruthplummer6847]

3 Brave Blokes!!!!!!! Much love to you 😍😍🥰

[@jaynes_world]

Huge thanks to all involved! Bless you Doddie, Rob and Stephen. #MND #MoreNeedsDoing!

[@WafcPassion]

Rest in peace now Doddie x

[@TORRES999ify]

Wow Doddie showed such strength. ,, to see him break down a bit towards the end and crying shows how hard the fight against mnd is ... Brave man. RIP Doddie. All the best to Darbs and Rob Burrow and anyone else fighting mnd . Horrible disease.

[@bignick1664]

God bless all these men. 😊💪

[@jasonbrown9016]

A small percentage of these guys strength and character I'd be a proud man.Athletic aspect associated with this disease ,a definite connection.God bless you stay strong.

[@johnsutherland2391]

3 incredibly brave men and an inspiration to us all. RIP Doddie

[@thres34]

RIP Rob

[@bluejoe1873]

RIP DODDIE 🙏🙏

[@barryjlfc]

Thanks for the interview. I was diagnosed with MND in June 2018 and it gives me comfort watching these men talk about positivity and as Stephen said, it doesn't take a lot to be happy. 2020 will be the year we rid of this horrid disease 💚

[@busterbricks]

Keep strong barry x

[@samuelspoons3553]

Live, Love and Laughter mate

[@stevenclark1973]

Keep strong, keep going, keep hope...kick its arse xx

[@bingtag]

Sat here with a tear in my eye, keep fighting boys

[@bobojuice6768]

So sad, three incredible men, best of luck and hope for your future in fighting this horrid disease, I hope you kick it’s ass x

[@roseyk7677]

This interviewer is just phenomenal, so much compassion and empathy as she relates so effortlessly to their stories. There is no pity, no patronising, just genuine kindness. She is so kind and natural ❤️ These men are truly noble, brave and real gentlemen who do not deserve this horrid disease. God Bless all of them 🙏❤️🙏

[@CampingSecretsUK]

Agree with that wholeheartedly.

[@Paratus7]

My wife was diagnosed yesterday. It’s devastating. It is not about rugby/sport. It could get any of us - anytime. These men are an inspiration. It’s unbelievable there is no treatment nor cure. It’s not as rare as you think. 1 in 300. Please find a cure soon. Please….

[@kerrvalenti2874]

Really sorry to hear that I wish you and your wife the best such a horrible disease

[@orbitingdecay6797]

I have MS just as bad as mnd. ALS is rare because people die quickly from it so only 5000

[@ramontubio440]

Their words are still here with me today. Thanks

[@Thailandescapades]

That was tough to watch... feel for the lads 🙏🙏🙏

[@YARROWS9]

Three brave guys. Christ Doddie toured with the British Lions on the successful South African tour in 1997. Heroes.

[@BuddyandMe]

Stay strong lads proud of you guys im on the same journey. MND awareness

[@TubbyBrewster11]

damokentboy Good luck with your journey pal!

[@stevenclark1973]

Keep strong, keep hope... keep going...

[@hayleywest8546]

breaks my heart you are all so brave , just live for the moment . i lost my aunty to mnd . my thoughts are with you all and your families

[@colinbell6219]

3 very tough men and great men

[@catastrophic009]

These interviews & the main one with Rob & his family destroyed me ! What a tragic cruel disease this is. We need genetic engineering ASAP to delete this disease code from our bodies & I hope this awareness starts us on the right track to prevent this from occurring. My heart goes out to all of them & their families.

[@julesmiles6548]

Tough to watch, keep being positive Doddie, Stephen, and Rob. Take each day as it comes, make memories for your families.

[@kellystephens148]

3 Inspiring brave men sharing their journey of MND x

[@gsx1400madboy]

3 incredibly brave and inspirational guys. When your having a bad day, have a listen to these boys. They bring everything into perspective.

[@davehowling1934]

3 absolute heroes, keep up the fight, we are all with you

[@lawrencemccormick895]

Such pleasant men, such courage too.

[@marydavies5687]

Thank you Dobbie, Rob & Stephen for talking so honestly about MND. Really hoping there will be more support forthcoming.

[@busterbricks]

Absolutely very brave men, amazing men, heart and utmost respect to you xxx

[@jasonbrown9016]

How come we applaud Phillip Schofield .Phil these are men who face true adversity and heartache.Being gay is ok Phil no need no come out like there's no need for a hetrosexual man to share his sexuality.Lets save our ovation and applause for these great men.

[@empty-ed]

All as I can say is … … ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC ❤

[@mortontv8436]

This is heartbreaking true heroes not the ones who just care about money fashion clothes and popularity on reality tv

[@tonybaker7063]

What an inspiring trio.We met Stephen down in Salisbury when my husband played against him in a walking football tournament to raise funds for the Darby Rimmer MND.My husband was representing Bradford City,Stephens former club.

[@blueplanet9917]

Amazing dudes, hugely inspirational!

[@joeswift5296]

Who has given a thumbs down to this and f**king why!

[@simonpaget6658]

Good luck gentleman with your battles and I hope the work you all do helps to find a cure.

[@bobbell4461]

Don't know the other two guys, but Doddie is facing this as he faced any opponent on the rugby field, with courage, skill and great fortitude. Never took a backward step be it in Melrose's colours or for Scotland and not taking a backward step, add to that his bright personality off the pitch. Now that's a hero.

[@GTschumacher]

Heartbreaking!

[@LukeSchofield1990]

Massive respect to the 3 of them ✊🏻

[@shaunpeddie1833]

Love doddie what a guy

[@jasonbrown9016]

Hard not to feel for these men,life can be so cruel.Brilliant men who excelled to an elite level.god bless you all.Aint giving you pity I'm jealous at your strength

[@sheilahartwanger3741]

RIP Doddie, a true icon of Scottish rugby. Deepest sympathy to his family.

[@bigunfromwigun4874]

Keep fighting Godbless all of you and your families ♥

[@philipg9611]

Watching Kevin Sinfield and his pals got me wanting to help!! Below is an idea. I just hope a cure is found sooner rather than later Rip Mr Weir!!

[@lloydgray9500]

woderfull guys great they are together ;) ;)

[@frantierney2411]

Thank you so much Doddie, Rob and Stephen for raising awareness about this evil disease. I hope and pray for a cure so no one else has to go through this. Stay strong lads

[@paulc1553]

RIP Doddie Weir from motor neurone disease, aged 52. Just announced. Horrible disease. Condolences to his family and friends xxx.

[@paulvandermotten3759]

RIP Doddie. Absolutely gutted

[@CFX_Trades]

Hopefully the thumbs down are against the disease!

[@joelozzy9083]

Very brave men, keep going lads. KZbin and BBC Breakfast, to cut this for Ad's is heartless, I hope every penny you make in advertising for this goes to MND research, if not shame on you.

[@yakiam4503]

Thank you bbc for giving awareness to mnd, it’s greatly appreciated by those with it and family’s of to hopefully one day find a cure. However on a slightly negative note as I think it’s important, in the conclusion to this while in the main studio the reporter lady mentions that speech will be done using computers implying sufferers will receive such items. This may be the case for the rich but that gives false hope to your regular joe. They will not receive items like that, at best a kids v-tec style toy you press each letter to eventually spell out a word but if your hands are paralysed (as most will be) what use is that. Sorry I just think that comment could give hope to people and it’s not true but again, genuinely thanks for making this!

[@andylaird9921]

Sorry you’ve got that wrong. I have mnd and am not a rich boy. MNDA HAVE JUST PAID FOR ME TO BANK MY VOICE and They’ve also told me they will provide the tablet I need when I need it.

[@saralewis1973]

Is there a link between MND and rugby players? Seems increasingly common. Wish them a cure soon❤

[@hereforlife4645]

Brace lads 👏🏼

[@chrisrix9696]

God bless

[@daniellongley6932]

Love Robbie burrows 😎💙

[@studentkhan5410]

I m from Pakistan and my friend is MND patient.. Is there any assosiation, who help him in Pakistan?? Plz they have spent alot of money already

[@gregoryrowe278]

My dad, aged 64, has just been diagnosed with MND, if anyone knows of any good/recognised treatment options across the world, please comment and let me know. It would be much appreciated.

[@BuddyandMe]

That's just it there is no treatment for us all the best

[@behappyynot]

Feel for you both , I have MND too, have found the MNDA a good source of information link is www.mndassociation.org/ there you should find your local branch hope this is of use, your probably overwhelmed at the moment most of information will fly over your head as its difficult to take it all in, please dont think your alone, it will be hard for you at the moment but I try to stay positive concentrate on what I can still do and not worry about what I cant do.

[@gregoryrowe278]

damokentboy is that your opinion or fact? As I’ve found many treatments over the past few weeks, after spending days researching. Some being more effective than others. Of course there is no scientifically proved cure, but seem to be many treatment options that can slow/temporarily stop and reserve the effects. With continuous treatment when needed. If you’re interested or anyone else for that matter, I can list out the treatments I’ve found?

[@gregoryrowe278]

behappyynot thank you, if you would like, I can share what I’ve found with you? Many restless nights research from around the world. More than happy to share if you’d like?

[@yakiam4503]

Help him exercise is the best advice I can give you. What I mean is, once he cannot move much himself do gentle chair things, take his arm, lift it and circle it, stretch out his legs, circle his feet/ankles etc etc. These may be pointless but it will make him feel less stiff and like he has moved even though you physically moved him. Mental health is what they have left so keep that as positive as possible. If it’s in budget buy a remote control recliner that can lift you almost to standing as he will struggle to get out of the chair. Buy angled cutlery to help him eat as just turning the arm to angle a fork from plate to mouth could prove difficult (things we never think about until you can’t do them). Lots of love to you!

[@robbpatterson6796]

RIP Doddie and Rob

[@MartinLloyd-uz1kz]

R.I.P Doddie Rob

[@philipg9611]

Do you think Motor nourious disease could be hunan form of CWD which is a deer disease. The symptoms of that deer illness is separation from the herd , depression,blank expression, difficulty in swallowing, increase in thirst , changes in the deer movements stumbling lack of coordination tremors and death. Now I say this because deer is eaten in lots of places around the world but the number one deer eaters is New Zealand. Now the place in the world with the highest infection rate of MND yes you guessed its New Zealand!!! Also ticks I believe can carry it to humans!! Probably through some DNA code(God code) probably most likely a organic polymer like cellolose which is in grass and washers out of humans as the stuff that holds poo together, humans can't digest it but the tick can so the tick takes nutrition from it messages through the cellolose (cassette) which could of be taken from a dying deer with CWD, then that lays dormant for years like in deers which can go 24 months before showing symptoms so in it's life cycle it could add up to MND dormant ratios? Then that bite could send that DNA god message into the Human blood? Which copies CWD to MND? Cellolose as some thing to do with cell production in plant walls? The crazy thing is the bible states not to eat deer, that book is full of information but all we hear is all the negative stuff that people sell? Wish the pope and others could share more information that's useful!!!!! Anyway it's only a thought!!? Anybody who knows their stuff might debunk the idea?

[@lightninggornall]

MND is similar to mad cow disease, it's a prion disease, caused by organophosphates, there was a guy who was a whistleblower farmer who tried to get this news out about the cause of mad cow and he mysteriously died then the investigator who went to investigate his death suddenly died too, it's something to do with what they were injecting the cows with because only the organic cows did not get mad cow because they are not injected like factory farms animals are, all illness and diseases are brought on by chemical poisons

[@user-eq7jc6ck3b]

Well done mate rob burrowc ur a star Dave senior ,,, Keith's brother 🎉

[@davidpringle8117]

RIP Rob 🥲

[@JDVM-om9oc]

Horrific disease a cure needs to b found

[@hotbambi2010]

So so very sad 😔

[@scoobydooby7608]

rip rob

[@sniperreddragon2782]

YNWA ❤️

[@petesmart1983]

Sadly rugby players have a higher chance of mnd than others, probably head trauma same with Alzheimer's and it's increasing with bigger and more powerful hits from.bigger players

[@22Bruinsdude]

Very Difficult To Watch.... 😪

[@waynehardiman5443]

To think Darby is only the one left

[@TS-pt9pz]

So so sad. The cruelest of illnesses without question. Such brave brave men, God bless you all. RIP Doddie.

[@michaelgann8070]

MND......that's why there's no God.

[@clairem1882]

Absolute heartbreaking. A wicked disease that strikes without care for age, sex, fitness levels. Awareness, money and research is desperately needed. 💙🧡🫂