On the 23^rd October 2021 I am competing in Ironman Portugal – Cascais in order to raise money for MND Scotland. An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run. This is a total of 140.6 miles or 226.3 kilometres. Originally, I signed up to this race in 2020 but unfortunately it was postponed due to COVID. Up until I started training for this race, I hadn’t run further than 10K and had never cycled or swam any significant distance. 

In February 2019, my dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. I have witnessed first-hand how this horrific disease has gradually debilitated him. At first, he was walking with a limp, which progressed on to having to use a walker and then a wheelchair. Now he is unable to dress himself, get out of bed without help, get anything to eat or go to the toilet on his own. This is something that no one should have to go through. 

Motor neurone disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes the motor neurones (nerves that control movement) to gradually decay resulting in the muscles not working. The life expectancy from diagnosis is 18 months and there is currently no cure. There are roughly 400 people living with MND in Scotland at one time.

MND Scotland is the leading charity in Scotland providing care and support to people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), as well as funding vital research into finding a cure. Through this time, I have gained a great insight into the great work that this charity does, and your kind donations will make a significant difference to someone’s life. 

Their services are vital to improving the quality of life of people affected by MND and include one-to-one counselling which helps people affected by MND cope with the emotional impact of MND; support groups throughout Scotland to bring together people who have been affected by MND to chat and share advice; and financial support grants to pay for essential equipment to help someone live as full a life as possible or enable a family to have a last holiday together. 

If the race is postponed I will complete the distance in Scotland and this will be adjudicated by MND Scotland.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated and will support a great cause.