Scott Bryson
10x10 Cycle Challenge: A fundraiser for MND Scotland
Fundraising for MND Scotland
Story
MND Scotland (MNDS) has a vision of a world without MND, investing in vital research to find a cure. Until that day comes, MNDS aims to "make time count" for patients, carers and families. It’s the only charity in Scotland providing direct support in the form of counselling, grants, advice, advocacy, physiotherapy, holiday accommodation etc. The charity also campaigns for service improvement and policy change in the health and social care system.
I’ve been a MNDS Trustee for 5 years and Chair of the Research Committee for 2 years. I am motivated from a professional (pharmaceutical) viewpoint. There are no meaningful treatments to alter the course of MND; the only medicine approved in the UK has marginal benefits in selected patients. It was introduced almost 30 years ago, with no progress since. However, several innovative research projects in Scotland and further afield now bring optimism for the future.
MNDS is such a worthy cause for all the above reasons. We're trying to raise some extra funds, so I've just completed the
“10 x 10 Cycle Challenge”
cycling across 10 Scottish Islands in 10 days ... Bute, Gt Cumbrae, Arran, Islay, Jura, Mull, Iona, Ulva, Kerrera and Lismore between 8 – 19 June 2023.
It involved 23 ferries, 510 miles of backroads, heatwave weather, an old bike and an old duffer pedalling … what could possibly go wrong? Thankfully, on most of the sections, I had company with a few friends and family members joining in. Indeed everybody can join in by contributing to this ‘Just Giving Fund’. Sincere thanks on behalf of MND Scotland and the inspirational patients and carers we support.
Appendix
Motor Neuron Disease is a brutal, terminal illness which affects about 400 people in Scotland. It damages the nerves that control vital muscle function affecting the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. The average age of onset is 60 yrs but MND can affect young people too. Post diagnosis, average life expectancy is 18 months. The impact of the disease during its relentless progression is devastating for everyone affected.
MND Scotland is the only Scottish charity providing care and support to people affected by Motor Neuron Disease (MND), as well as funding research to take us a step closer to a cure.
We're fundraising to help MND Scotland provide practical, financial, and emotional support to people affected by MND, as well as investing in vital research to find treatments which slow disease progression and ultimately achieve a cure. Our vision is a world without Motor Neuron Disease.
Thank you!