From the Lab to the Finish Line: Aberdeen-Based Researcher is Running for MND Scotland

Hazel Allardyce, a Research Scientist at the University of Aberdeen, will take on the Fraserburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 16 November 2025, in support of MND Scotland and in honour of her uncle. 

Hazel, 29, grew up in Cambuslang near Glasgow, and now works as an MND researcher in Aberdeen. Her motivation to take on the challenge stems from a deeply personal experience.  

Her uncle Stewart, a former police officer and keen sportsman, was diagnosed with a   rare neurodegenerative condition called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a similar condition to MND. He lived with the disease for eleven years before passing away when Hazel was just 15 years old. 

Hazel said: “Uncle Stewart was a fit and healthy man with a real passion for science. Due to family circumstances, university fees were unfortunately out of reach, so instead, Stewart went to college to train as a science technician — a path that still allowed him to pursue his love of biology. He worked in that field for several years before later joining the police force.” 

Hazel added: “While serving in the police, Stewart began to experience health problems. At first, he would faint frequently and had several unexplained accidents, including falling off his bike. After months of uncertainty and numerous tests, he was diagnosed with MSA. 

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative condition caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain. Like MND, this leads to significant problems with muscle control, movement, and daily functioning, meaning patients with both conditions experience similar physical challenges. 

“The last seven years of his life were extremely challenging as his health rapidly declined,” Hazel explained. “The final two years were particularly heartbreaking — he lost the ability to speak, move, and eat independently, and became a shadow of the strong, wonderful person he once was.” 

During summer holidays, Hazel helped care for Stewart alongside her aunt and grandmother. At the time, the family had little knowledge of the disease and no specialist support: “We were very much left to deal with it ourselves. That experience, along with other family health struggles, is what led me to study the brain and why it goes wrong.” 

Today, Hazel’s research focuses on MND, uncovering the biological changes that influence how the disease develops and progresses. Working with Professor Simon Parson at the University of Aberdeen, she is investigating how problems with blood vessels in the brain may play a part in this devastating condition.  

Speaking about her work, she said, “Having a deep understanding of what it feels like when something affects your family is incredibly powerful.” 

“Working in a lab is challenging; it can be very frustrating, and we often spend months dealing with things that don’t work. One of the main reasons I persevere is the hope that my research could potentially help someone who has experienced similar struggles as my family have.”  

Hazel is a long-time supporter of MND Scotland. She recently presented her work at the Aberdeen Lived Experience and Research Networking (LEARN) at Pittodrie Stadium and also attended the LEARN event at Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall. Her dedication was recognised this year with the Euan MacDonald Centre’s Hampton Award, celebrating her commitment to MND research and to the MND community.  

She said: “It means a lot to meet people living with MND and their families. Many people say, ‘I can imagine what that must feel like,’ but unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s hard to truly understand what families are going through.” 

Despite a demanding schedule in the lab, Hazel has trained hard for the upcoming Fraserburgh Half Marathon, running over 200km in 12 weeks. She hopes the challenge will raise awareness and vital funds for MND Scotland. 

“I wanted to do something that really pushed me,” Hazel explains. “I’ve never run more than 6km before, so this has been a huge challenge. But it means more when you’re doing it for a cause close to your heart.” 

Hazel has already surpassed her fundraising target of £750, thanks to generous donations from friends, family, and even her 93-year-old gran’s bingo club. She now hopes to reach £2,000 before her challenge. To donate to her JustGiving page, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hazel-allardyce-1 

“MND Scotland offers incredible support that we didn’t have when Stewart was ill. Even when the inevitable was happening, he stayed positive. Losing him was devastating for our family”, Hazel says. “If sharing our story helps even one family feel less alone, it’s worth every step.” 

MND Scotland would like to thank Hazel for her support and wish her the very best of luck in the upcoming challenge.