As my friends, family and colleagues will know, motor neurone disease (MND) is a cause very close to my heart as my eldest brother Brian was diagnosed with the rapidly progressing terminal illness in 2019.

As the Chair of MND Scotland I wanted to do something special to for this incredible charity by taking on an epic fundraising challenge this summer. I am aiming to raise £40,000 for MND Scotland during its 40^th anniversary year (and I just so happen to be 40 as well!).

I am doing 5 events over the coming months, the peak of these events will be a 7-day Monster Triathlon. It’s the UK’s ultimate multi-sport challenge, which starts with a 5km swim in Loch Ness, followed by 1,000km of cycling across five days, and finishes with an ultra-marathon (50km) along the Thames in London. I’ll also be taking on the Loch Ness Etape, the Caledonian Etape, the Edinburgh Marathon and the Ironman Cork.

MND robs individuals and families of so much. After the initial shock of Brian’s diagnosis the reality of the situation started to sink in very quickly. A diagnosis of MND is so bleak – an 18 month life expectancy from diagnosis. No one should have to hear this. Not only is it terminal but the progressive symptoms mean someone can lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe unaided. I got my first big shock when Brian was on crutches and the only way he could get up the stairs was on all fours. From then on his symptoms got worse and he now no longer has use of his arms or legs, he uses a wheelchair full-time and a ventilator to help him breathe. 

I can be there for Brian as a brother, a friend and to help care for him when needed. I can sit with him and chat, try to create as many memories as possible, but there is an overwhelming sense of helplessness when someone you love is diagnosed with MND. I think I wanted to do something that would inflict some suffering on me – like putting myself through some sort of pain will somehow make it better – even though it won’t. When I see what Brian, and other people with MND, go through on a daily basis I realise how much we all take for granted. Nothing I can do will ever compare.

 But what I can do is give back to the charity that has been here for our family to support us through this difficult journey. Brian is ‘lucky’ in some ways. He has a huge support system and the means to get the care and support he needs in place. Not everyone has this, and people with MND do not have time to wait.  Many rely heavily on MND Scotland for free support to make living with MND easier, and for help to get the care they need in place in time. My goal is to help make an even bigger impact on people’s lives today and to make sure no one has to go through this disease alone. And you can help too - I would be so grateful if you would join me by donating whatever you can, to help me reach my target of £40,000. 

 Thank you for all your support and encouragement. I’ll be posting updates on my training and events progress, so wish me luck!