Book SummaryMy Name'5 Doddie, by Doddie Weir

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of My Name'5 Doddie

The Author's Personal Journey, Rugby, and Post-Rugby Ventures

This section of the autobiography explores Doddie Weir's life before he received an MND diagnosis, from his early childhood and family background to his exceptional journey in the sport and eventual transition to post-rugby ventures. Weir offers a captivating narrative that highlights his upbringing, the significant role rugby played for him, and his transition to a new chapter after retiring from professional sports.

The Author's Background, Family, and Upbringing

Weir provides glimpses into his formative years, painting a picture of a vibrant childhood filled with family, farm life, and horseback riding. He emphasizes the close bond he shares with his parents and siblings, acknowledging their impact on his life journey.

Author's Birthdate, Siblings, Early Childhood on Scottish Borders Farm

Doddie Weir's birthdate is July 4, 1970, and he grew up on Cortleferry Farm in the Scottish Borders. He has a younger sister, Kirsty, and two younger siblings: Thomas and Christopher. The author affectionately describes the antics and close-knit dynamic he shared with his siblings during their farm childhood. Their childhood was marked by a competitive spirit, evident in their participation in 'Superstars' assault courses and football games in the farm courtyard. Weir mentions the importance of those games and highlights the differences in farming practices then and now, particularly the decline in agricultural workers which impacted their ability to have such lively events.

Weir also delves into his family's history in sport, noting his father's rugby career with Gala and his maternal grandfather's prowess as a goalkeeper and cricketer. These inherited sporting genes, coupled with the active and competitive nature of farm life, laid the foundation for Weir's future in rugby. Despite the family's strong connection to Gala, scheduling conflicts with his equestrian activities led him to join Melrose's U14 team. His early passion, however, was for equestrianism, not rugby, a love inherited from his mother who indulged his equestrian pursuits alongside Kirsty.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal tradition to reflect on your own milestones every year on your birthday. Use this day to set new goals, evaluate past achievements, and plan steps for personal growth, much like honoring the life journey of a public figure.
• Start a journal documenting your daily experiences and how they connect to your upbringing. Reflect on how your childhood environment, much like the farm setting in the example, has influenced your values, work ethic, and lifestyle. This practice can help you identify patterns and make conscious decisions about which aspects to carry forward and which to change.
• Enhance your communication skills by practicing active listening with your siblings or close friends. Set aside time for one-on-one conversations where you focus solely on understanding their perspectives without interrupting. This can improve your relationships and foster a supportive family environment.
• Implement a "skill swap" within your family or community, where each person teaches others something they're good at. This encourages mutual respect and learning, similar to how siblings on a farm might teach each other different tasks. For instance, if one person is good at cooking, another at repairs, and another at gardening, each can hold informal sessions to pass on their knowledge, thereby enriching the group's skill set.
• Organize a game night that includes competitive board games or trivia contests. This can be a monthly event where participants can form teams and compete in different games, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie similar to the sports mentioned.
• Organize a storytelling evening where family members share tales of their childhood games, especially those that were played outdoors or had an element of adventure to them. This can help preserve family history and encourage younger members to engage in more active, imaginative play.
• Start a small kitchen garden to get hands-on experience with the basics of farming. This will give you a personal understanding of the labor and care that goes into growing food. Begin with easy-to-grow herbs or vegetables like basil, tomatoes, or lettuce, using your windowsill, balcony, or backyard as a starting point.
• Document your own sports journey and set goals that align with your family's athletic prowess. Keeping a journal or blog where you track your progress in sports that your family has historically performed well in can serve as motivation and a personal tribute. Set specific milestones based on the achievements of your family members to create a sense of continuity and purpose in your athletic endeavors.
• Create a competitive environment in your daily routine to mimic the challenges of farm life. Set up friendly competitions with friends or family in everyday tasks, such as who can complete a set of physical exercises the fastest or who can achieve a new personal best in a hobby. This can help you develop a competitive edge and resilience similar to what might be cultivated on a farm.
• Use a digital calendar to manage and prioritize your hobbies and activities, setting alerts for scheduling conflicts. When you notice a clash, like Weir's equestrian and soccer activities, you can quickly assess which activity takes precedence or if there's a possibility to reschedule one. For example, if you have a yoga class that conflicts with a language course you're taking, you might decide to find an alternative yoga session or ask the language instructor for a recording of the missed class.
• Start a small-scale project that aligns with a family member's passion to see if it ignites your own interest. For instance, if a family member is passionate about woodworking, collaborate on building a simple piece of furniture. This project can serve as a...

My Name'5 Doddie Summary Author's Motor Neuron Disease Diagnosis and Journey

This section chronologically covers Doddie Weir's MND diagnosis, from initial symptoms to the profound impact on his family and personal life. Weir candidly discusses his fluctuating emotions, fear, and acceptance, juxtaposed with a unwavering determination to remain positive and challenge the traditional narrative of MND.

The Author's Initial Symptoms and ALS Diagnosis

Weir reveals the initial signs of MND that he experienced in 2015, noting subtle changes in the strength of his left hand and involuntary muscle twitching. He recounts the moment of realization that came after researching his symptoms online, which led to a series of medical tests and consultations, finally culminating in the official MND diagnosis in December of 2016.

The Author's Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis of MND

In the eleventh month of 2015, Weir began experiencing weakness in his left hand, initially attributed to an unremarkable farm injury. However, the persisting lack of grip strength plus the onset of muscle twitching led him to research his symptoms online, where he first encountered Motor Neuron Disease (MND) as a possibility. Weir candidly describes this "oh, crap" moment, emphasizing...

My Name'5 Doddie Summary My Name'5 Doddie Foundation's Work in Raising Awareness and Funding Research for ALS

This section chronologically outlines the establishment and mission of the foundation My Name'5 Doddie, highlighting the unwavering support and generosity of the public, the rugby community, and beyond. Weir articulates the main goals of the organization, emphasizing their commitment to funding MND research, supporting those suffering from the condition, and raising awareness of this debilitating condition.

Establishing the Organization and Early Challenges

In June of 2017, Doddie Weir publicly announced his MND diagnosis and shortly after, founded the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. This decision stemmed from his desire to address the stagnation in research on MND and to offer support to others who suffer from the disease. The initial focus was on establishing a robust foundation, navigating legal complexities, and assembling a dedicated trustee team capable of guiding the mission and achieving the organization's goals.

The Author's Openness About Diagnosis and Foundation Creation

Weir emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication from the beginning of his MND journey. By bravely making his diagnosis public, he aimed to raise awareness of the...