In 2017 Dad was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. MND attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. Currently there is no cure, nor any effective treatment, and average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 18 months.

At the time of his diagnosis, Dad had completed 267/282 of Scotland's Munros (mountains over 3,000ft). As it became apparent that he wouldn't be able to finish them himself, we decided to climb the remaining 15 on his behalf. We completed his "Final 15" Munros in 2021 and raised over £60,000 for MND research.

Devastatingly, just two short months after we completed Dad’s Munros, he passed away.

The Full Round Challenge:

Ever since climbing Dad’s final Munros, it has always upset me that his name isn’t on the official “Munro Compleatists” list. He deserves to be on the list, and if it wasn’t for MND he would be.

Knowing how much this meant to him, I made the decision that I would continue after his "Final 15", and attempt to climb all 282 myself in his honour. Whilst it won’t get Dad’s name on the list, it will allow me to keep spreading awareness and raising money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation along the way. The work they are doing to tackle this devastating disease is vital, and as Doddie Weir himself said, “MND is not incurable, it’s underfunded”.

Dad’s heart is in the Scottish hills, and it's a special feeling to know that every time I climb a Munro, I'm literally following in his footsteps.

So, if you spot someone decked out in Doddie’5 Tartan halfway up a Munro, please stop and say "hello"!

I won’t break any speed records, but I live in hope that by the time I finish there will be some positive news for MND sufferers.

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so make the most of today.

You can follow my progress on social media @Munros4MND and on our website www.munros4mnd.co.uk.