A FORMER Scotland internationalist is facing the rest of his life
confined to a wheelchair.
The situation of Andy Weir has brought former players rallying to his
aid. Scottish team mates Denis Law and Ian St John are among those who
have been raising money to buy him a #3000 wheelchair to help him get
around. It will be delivered to the former Motherwell winger next month.
Weir is remembered for the way he could cross a ball with deadly
accuracy. Now he is almost unable to shuffle across a room. He is
crippled by osteoarthritis and has a serious heart and lung condition.
Times have been hard for Weir, who now depends financially on
Government grants and benefits, since he developed meningitis in 1961.
He was in a coma and for five days on the brink of death in Ruchill
Hospital. Doctors said it was only his high level of physical fitness
which helped him shake off the illness and survive.
The same courage was in evidence when Weir faced up to alcohol
problems, and again when a back injury finished his six-cap career.
His wife Margaret, the mother of his nine children, has supported him
throughout the good times and the bad.
Weir realised he was being beaten by his health in 1984, after being
bedridden for three years. It is now seven years since he visited
Paisley town centre, because he can be driven only short journeys from
his home in Elderslie.
Weir's only regret about his career was leaving Motherwell, his one
club, with bad feeling. He said he had been with the club for 10 years
and was due a benefit game but this was refused. ''I wasn't allowed to
put my case to the board,'' he said. ''I have always felt I was done
dirty. But I have nothing against the Motherwell fans. They knew what
had happened, and one group ran a dance for me and gave me a cheque for
#137, which was a lot of money in those days.''
Another former Motherwell player, John Martis of Manse Road in the
town, is in charge of fund-raising. He said: ''When we realised how
badly Andy needed help, former team mates got together to organise a
testimonial year for him and form a trust. The first thing we are doing
is buying him a luxury wheelchair. Andy has put up a great fight and has
shown a lot of character. He deserves recognition from the club and the
fans.''
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