RUGBY stars teamed up with Ledbury Rugby Club and Upton Rugby Club and raised more than £6,000 for the Doddie Weir Trust. 

The club, off Ross Road, was the destination for a twelve mile walk, from Upton Rugby Club to help raise funds for the trust set up by the former international, Doddie Weir.

Mr Weir, 47, a former Scotland player and British and Irish Lion, started the Doddie Weir’5 Trust after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, last year. 

Well-wishers donated money to the walkers along the route, and before and after Ledbury's home league match against Shipston RFC on Saturday. 

The walk and auction was organised by his Hanley Swan-based former club and international team-mate Peter Walton. 

He was joined by Worcester Warriors player Chris Pennell, coach Carl Hogg and centre Will Butler, and Ross Moriarty, a flanker for Gloucester and Wales, as well as a number of other walkers. 

Mr Walton said: "We are extremely grateful to both Upton Rugby Club, and those that saw us off at 8.30am, and Ledbury Rugby Club for accommodating us at the end of the walk, and to the many, many people who threw money in the buckets and bid on the auction lots.

"To raise over £6,000 through the various means is an absolutely brilliant achievement and we know this money will help research and raise awareness of this terrible condition.

"It was an emotional day, but there was a fantastic spirit amongst everyone and it goes to show how strong the rugby family is. We must also thank Ledbury's juniors and supporters for a fantastic welcome as we arrived at the club at the end of the walk."

One of the day’s highlights was the auction of signed rugby shirts, including England, Bath, Worcester Warriors and Gloucester RFC shirts, a signed Scotland rugby ball and a signed Doddie Weir figurine. 

The walkers arrived at Ledbury RFC at about 1.30pm.

Operations manager at the club Jamie Rayfield said: "LRFC Juniors and supporters greeted the walkers through the gates after the gruelling walk over the Malvern Hills from the starting point at Upton RFC. 

"With a quick refuel provided by a plentiful buffet our guests enjoyed Ledbury’s 1st XV fixture against high-flyers Shipston on Stour RFC."
Mr Rayfield added: "A great day was had by all."

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