Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research
Abby O'Sullivan is raising money for The University of Edinburgh
Story
Our wonderful team of David, Paul, Sophie, and James are taking on the challenge of the Edinburgh Marathon Hairy Haggis relay in support of the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research. As 4 researchers working with the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease, we want to highlight the importance of motor neuron disease research.
Motor neuron disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and paralysis, difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing. Around 1 in 300 people will develop MND in their lifetime, but there is no treatment available.
Your donation will help doctors and scientists at the Euan MacDonald Centre undertake vital research to understand more about the disease and find new treatments to help those living with MND. Please keep reading to learn more about the individual team members.
David's profile:
After 16 years at the University of Edinburgh, David Story is more than just a successful lab manager—he’s a deeply committed member of the Euan MacDonald Centre community. This year, David is once again taking on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, not for the acclaim or medals, but to honour a remarkable man in Euan MacDonald and support the fight against motor neuron disease (MND). His journey is one of connection, dedication, and heartfelt purpose.
It’s this personal connection that continues to drive David.
[Euan] puts everything into perspective. No matter how bad my day was, his day was always going to be 10 times worse, and he never complained.
For David, running is a small gesture in light of the challenges faced by those living with MND.
Running for what, an hour every year to get round five or six miles? It’s nothing compared to living with MND. It’s the least we can do to honour Euan’s memory and the impact his work had on the MND community.
His mission is a reminder that meaningful fundraising doesn’t require elite athleticism—it requires empathy, community, and commitment. Every step David takes is a tribute to Euan, the MacDonald family, and the ongoing mission of the Centre. It’s a legacy he’s proud to uphold
All donations are processed through the University of Edinburgh Development Trust before going directly to the Euan MacDonald Centre.