Calum Scoular, a dedicated supporter of MND Scotland, is preparing for the Schneider Electric Marathon of Paris on 13 April 2025, to honour the legacy of teacher and dear friend, Donald Grewar, who died in 2019 after a brave 5-year battle with motor neuron disease. 

Proud South Ayrshire man, Calum, 23, has been fundraising since he was 16 years old. He has participated in various events, including zip slide challenges, 10K runs, half marathons, and MND Scotland’s Fun Run.  

Calum first met Donald, a Maths and Guidance Teacher, in his first year of school at Madras College in St Andrews: “He was interested in getting to know you as a person. He was warm and friendly, and made connections with everyone. We gelled immediately. He was encouraging in my extracurricular activities, including the school choir and rugby team. He cheered me on from the sidelines, and there wasn’t a week that went past that we didn’t speak. It was so devastating to know how much of a nice man he was and what he had to go through”.  

After being diagnosed with MND in 2014, Donald bravely fought against the disease until his passing in 2019. Calum said: “I didn’t know he had MND until 2015. He kept it quiet and only shared his diagnosis with family and close friends. I noticed he had begun to lose weight, his posture changed, and he eventually started using mobility aids. He remained teaching as long as he could. He wouldn’t allow the disease to hold him back”. 

Calum moved school the same year that his teacher was diagnosed, making it even more difficult to come to terms with his diagnosis. He added: “Mr Grewar always put others before himself. He was a caring, compassionate man, and I connected with him from the first day we met. He had a profound impact on who I am as a person today”.  

Motor neuron disease is a brutal condition that affects hundreds of people across Scotland, robbing them of their strength and independence.  

Rugby League player, Rob Burrow, bravely and publicly battled the condition. He raised important awareness about the condition with the support of his family and rugby teammates. 

Calum participated in the recent ‘Running Home for Christmas’ challenge organised by Kevin Sinfield CBE in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community, including the late Doddie Weir OBE. Calum ran alongside the English rugby union coach for the final lap at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow, in support of families and carers affected by MND. 

Calum added: “It’s been seven years, but you don’t get over it. He had a huge impact on me. The pain of losing Mr. Grewar has fuelled my passion for this cause. I am committed to raising both awareness and funds to support MND Scotland in their mission to provide essential services and seek a cure for this disease”. 

Donald enjoyed keeping fit and taking part in marathons, which spurred Calum to also take up running. It’s a full-circle moment, as Calum will take on the same marathon Donald completed before his diagnosis, the Schneider Electric Marathon of Paris. 

In April, Calum will compete in a 42.195 km route across Paris, taking in the Champs Elysées, the Bois de Vincennes, and Boulogne: “He always had my back, and I want to have his now” Calum said.   

It’s a full family effort, as Calum’s dad and brother will join him at the event in Paris, with his mum continuing to raise awareness about his fundraising efforts at home: “I couldn’t have done any of it without the help and support of my parents. I’ve been training hard for the marathon, and despite an injury during COVID which almost resulted in a hip replacement, I’ve fully recovered through physiotherapy, learned from my mistakes and pushed through”. 

“I would also like to thank McCallum Bagpipes, Luvians Cupar and St. Andrews, Infinite Indulgence Troon and Rogerson Shoes who have all been very supportive of my challenge through paid sponsorship”. 

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “Calum has been an incredible supporter of MND Scotland for over six years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for sharing his story and taking on this incredible challenge in honour of Donald Grewar. 

“Last year, MND Scotland’s patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, visited our offices in Glasgow to meet some of our supporters and people with motor neuron disease. And in December, Kevin Sinfield CBE arrived in Glasgow for his ‘Running Home for Christmas’ challenge, running alongside those affected by the disease.  It was a proud moment for Calum being at both events, knowing his commitment and dedication to our vision of a world without MND.  

“Best of luck as you take on this incredible challenge, Calum. The full team are cheering you on, every step of the way!”. 

MND Scotland would like to thank Calum for taking on this incredible challenge. All donations collected will support vital MND research and help MND Scotland provide critical practical, financial, and emotional support to people affected by the condition.  

If you would like to support Calum in his fundraising efforts by making a donation, please visit his JustGiving page.

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.