“Not Fast, Just Furious”: Friends Rally Together for Mum Living With MND

A group of childhood friends from Hertfordshire are preparing to take on the epic Tough Mudder challenge to help raise funds for MND Scotland, inspired by their friend Callum’s mother, Linda Cruickshank, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in March this year.

Nellie Eastland, 23, works as a firefighter in London. Nellie, her partner Nick, and friends Sarah and Callum grew up in Hertfordshire and were part of a local competitive swimming club.

The group of friends stopped swimming due to COVID-19 but have continued to remain close. They have reunited again in support of Linda and to help raise awareness of MND by taking on the Tough Mudder challenge. This will be one of the first fitness challenges they have participated in together in over five years.

Nellie said: “It was a really supportive environment. All our parents helped each other out and were always there for us. Often driving from Hertfordshire to places like Nottingham, Norfolk, South London and even the journey to Nationals in Sheffield, not forgetting the 5am drop-offs and pick-ups before and after school.

“Their support meant so much to each of us as we were able to pursue something we all love”.

Linda recently moved back to Scotland after living in Hertfordshire for over twenty years. Linda had a significant impact on the group: “She was always there – volunteering, cheering us on, helping out.” Nellie said. “Looking back, we didn’t appreciate it enough. Now, we want to give back.”

Due to the rapid progression of the disease, Linda now has difficulty with her speech. Despite her diagnosis, she remains upbeat and an inspiration to those around her. She recently got married, and together the newlyweds travel across the country in their campervan.

Linda recently celebrated a special birthday. It was at this birthday party that Nellie noticed the impact MND has had: “We had a 60th surprise birthday party for Linda this year. I hadn’t seen her since she’d been diagnosed, so it was a shock to us all to see how quickly the disease had progressed. I didn’t know an awful lot about MND, but I know there isn’t a cure for it. It’s been a learning point for me as well actually.”

The Tough Mudder challenge is the world’s most intense obstacle course. The group have named themselves the “Not Fast, Just Furious” team and will take on the 15k course. They chose the name to highlight their fun-loving spirit and determination, and to show support for Linda.

Speaking about what made them decide on this challenge, Nellie said: “I took part in the London Marathon this year, so my friends all came along to cheer me on, and I think they were quite inspired by it. We immediately decided that we wanted to do something for Linda and to show our support to Callum, so we agreed to sign up for Tough Mudder.”

Nellie added: “It’s the least we can do in this situation. As much as we’re doing this in support of Linda, we’re also doing it in support of our friend Callum. You don’t know what’s going to happen next, so we wanted to do something meaningful. We can’t change what’s happening, but we can be there for Callum and raise money to help others living with MND.”

The Tough Mudder event, taking place on 21 September in London, will see the team tackle 15 kilometres of mud, obstacles, freezing water, and even electric shocks: “It’s not a race, it’s a challenge. We’re doing it together, as a team, for Linda.”

MND is a descent into the unknown. MND Scotland is supporting more people in Scotland who are facing MND – and the descent into the unknown – than ever before. The support from Nellie, Nick, Sarah, and Callum means that people like Linda won’t have to face the unknown alone.

MND Scotland would like to wish the team the very best of luck to the team in their upcoming challenge.

To support the team in their fundraising efforts by donating, please click here.

For more information about MND Scotland, how we can support you or your family, please email: info@mndscotland.org.uk or call: 0141 332 3903.