MND Scotland, the leading charity in Scotland dedicated to supporting individuals with motor neuron disease (MND) and their families and friends, is proud to celebrate the remarkable fundraising efforts of Leah and Ryan Stott, and their contribution to the charity’s vision of a world without MND by raising over £5,000.

Leah, 35, a hairdresser, and Ryan, 35, a personal trainer, both from Aberdeen and mum and dad to Ariyah and Preston, began their fundraising journey to honour the memory of two close family friends, Norman ‘Nomy’ Reid, and William ‘Willie’ Auld, who both had MND.

MND is a rapidly progressing and terminal neurological illness that disrupts signals from the brain to the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis, and there is no cure or meaningful treatment.

Nomy, originally from Fraserburgh, was a devoted husband to his wife, Lorraine, a father to Danny and Shaun, and a loving grandad, who was adored by everyone who knew him.

William George Auld (Willie), was originally from Glasgow and a sport and fitness enthusiast. He lived in Aberdeen with his wife Margaret and was a father to Tony and Gillian, and a proud grandfather to Georgia, Pixie and Nico.

Sadly, both Nomy and Willie lost their battle to MND, devasting their families, prompting Leah and Ryan to make it their mission to raise awareness and vital funds for research into the condition and to help honour the memory of both men, who they loved dearly.

Leah said: “Challenging the mind and body is a choice we have. For the MND community that choice is taken, so we have taken the choice to make a change”.

In 2024, the couple organised and completed the first ‘Memorial Marathon of Willie & Norman’. Together, they ran a total of 100.4 miles throughout the year by participating in various challenges, including the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge, the Banchory Half Marathon, the Stonehaven Half Marathon, 42.2km, and the Echo bike challenge, amongst others, in their memory and in support of MND Scotland.

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said:

“Leah and Ryan have shown incredible resilience, compassion and dedication in their fundraising journey for MND Scotland and honouring the precious memories of Nomy and Willie.

“Their efforts have not only provided financial support for vital MND research, but the couple continue to raise important awareness of the challenges faced by those living with the disease and their families. Thank you, Leah and Ryan, and everyone who has supported them, for your ongoing support and contribution”.

Each challenge has been a testament to their determination to MND Scotland’s vision of a world without MND. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Leah and Ryan have raised over £5,000 for MND Scotland, helping make time count for those affected by the disease.

For more information about the couple’s fundraising efforts, visit their JustGiving Page or follow Ryan’s Personal Training account on Instagram.

For more information about MND Scotland, how we can support you or your family, or if you’re interested in taking on a fundraising challenge, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk, email: info@mndscotland.org.uk, or call: 0141 332 3903.