Get your running shoes on for MND Scotland fun run

MND Scotland is asking walkers, runners and wheelchair users the north-east to challenge themselves to a virtual fun run relay in aid of motor neuron disease (MND).

The charity is bringing back its popular fun run relay as a virtual event on the weekend of Friday to Monday, September 22-25 and it is free to sign up.

Participants choose the distance they will challenge themselves to over the weekend, either solo or as part of a fundraising team. By signing up, people in the north-east will be joining fundraisers across Scotland to make time count for people living with MND.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness which stops the signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This can cause people to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat and drink, and eventually breathe unaided. Average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is currently no cure or effective treatment.

MND Scotland provides practical, emotional and wellbeing support to people living with MND and funds ground-breaking MND research and world-class clinical trials.

Julie Macdonald, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “MND Scotland is funded entirely by donations so every penny people raise will bring us closer to our vision of a world without motor neuron disease.

“Whether it's taking the dog on a long walk, challenging a group of friends to run 5k each, or using your wheelchair to do laps in your back garden, everyone is welcome to join the fun run relay between Friday to Monday, September 22-25. The money raised will provide vital support to people living with MND in Scotland and fund much needed research.”

Ani George was diagnosed with MND in July 2022.

She said: "Living with MND on an island and being able to enjoy the outdoors like I once did can be tough.

"Yet, thanks to the incredible support of MND Scotland, and their assistance with finances, benefits, and essential equipment like stairlifts, recline chairs, electric wheelchairs, and even holiday funds, I have managed to reclaim a precious part of my life.

“Thank you to everyone taking part in the fun run for your fundraising efforts and supporting people like me living with MND in Scotland."

Runners, walkers and wheelchair users can sign up to join the fun run relay on the MND Scotland website https://mndscotland.org.uk/events/fun-run/

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