Firewalk and Glasswalk raises over £12,000 for MND Scotland

Thank you to everyone who took part in the MND Scotland Firewalk and Glasswalk pitch side at Hampden Park on Friday 12^th October.

Over 30 supporters took on the challenge, cheered on by their family and friends, which involved walking over 20ft of fiery embers, hot enough to melt aluminium, and 20ft of glass, from over a thousand broken wine bottles. The event has already raised £12,060 – with more sponsorship money still coming in!

Close friends Maxine Togneri (47), from Saltcoats, and Fiona McCall (57), from Prestwick, were two of our brave supporters who took on both challenges.

Maxine, who owns the Lavender Room holistic clinic in Troon, works as a freelance Complementary Therapist for MND Scotland, where she provides free in-home massage treatments to people living with MND and their carers and family members.

Fiona, a Customer Advisor at the Bank of Scotland, took on the challenge in memory of close friend Tom, who was diagnosed with MND in May 2017, passing away just 6 months later.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe unaided. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for MND and the average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 20 months.

Maxine said: “I’ve been involved with MND Scotland for a number of years, after being approached to contribute towards the charity’s Complementary Therapy service for people with MND.

“At that point I had no knowledge of MND, but I didn’t hesitate. On the training day the symptoms were explained fully whilst also being shown a video about how the disease can take hold and affect both the patient and their families.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and treating some amazing people and meeting their devoted families. Since I started working with MND Scotland, the charity has grown in size and scope, helped enormously by the popularity of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

“Now I fundraise for the charity too, as I feel it is a most deserving cause and I have witnessed first-hand the care and help the suffers receive from the charity.”

Fiona said: “My friend Tom had the most aggressive form of MND and literally every day his wife and friends saw a decline. His wife coped herself until it was no longer possible to do so. As soon as needed, support from MND Scotland was amazing. They were there with her whenever she needed them, no matter what.

“Tom’s symptoms became apparent in March 2017 in his speech and legs. His ability to eat and drink rapidly declined as did his other physical movements. He has several falls so his confidence was shaken, resulting in him not leaving his home.

“On a personal note, it was horrific to watch my friend of 53 years see her husband waste away with this terrible disease. I hope I never have to witness this again as long as I live. This is why I continue to raise awareness and funds for MND Scotland.”

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “I’d like to thank Maxine for all the fantastic work she does to support people affected by MND in Scotland and for taking on the MND Scotland Firewalk and Glasswalk to help raise funds.

“I’d also like to thank Fiona for taking on the challenge and sharing Tom’s experience with Motor Neurone Disease.

“Together, Maxine and Fiona have raised an incredible £900 for MND Scotland so far. We wouldn’t be able to provide care, information and support to people affected by MND in Scotland, as well as fund cutting-edge research, if it weren’t for people like them.”

You can still support Maxine and Fiona after their challenge by sponsoring them at:  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/maxine-togneri2