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Andrew, 29, originally from Dumfries & Galloway, now lives in Dunfermline with his wife, Zoe. He has two brothers, a younger sister, and works as a Data Analyst for the NatWest Group.
When Andrew McEwen prepared for the William Wallace Running Festival in September this year, it wasn’t just about crossing the finish line, it was about honouring his dad, Brian McEwen, and helping others facing the devastating impact of MND.
“My dad was diagnosed with MND at the start of 2023,” Andrew said. “We think he’d had it for a little while before that, but it wasn’t officially diagnosed until then.”
MND is a progressive, life-shortening illness. The disease affects everyone differently as symptoms may progress at a different rate. Life expectancy can also vary depending on the type of MND you have.
Despite living hundreds of miles away in Dunfermline, Andrew made every effort to spend time with his dad in Northampton during those final months: “We managed to get a family holiday to Skegness, which was nice. But every time I saw him, the deterioration was evident. His memory started to go first, then his speech and mobility. He lost a lot of weight and became very frail.”
The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is no cure or meaningful treatments.
Brian, a former police officer, sadly died in 2023.
“He was extremely cheeky,” Andrew recalls with a smile. “But he was also very by-the-book. He always had a checklist in his head. He was the biggest supporter of whatever we did. Whether it was my football matches or my brother’s cadet activities, he was always there.”
The support Brian received during his illness left a lasting impression on Andrew, “The help from MND Scotland and similar organisations was really comforting to my family. What I do now is to try and get involved in fundraising efforts. To repay that support and make sure other families get the same help we did. And, of course, to help find a cure.”
Andrew has taken on several challenges for MND Scotland, including two Kiltwalk events and the Braveheart 10K at the William Wallace Running Festival – where MND Scotland were the official charity partner.
Andrew added: “I’ve been into running for about a year now, but I’d never done an official event. When my wife spotted the William Wallace Running Festival on social media, it felt like the perfect opportunity to support MND Scotland and take part in my first timed run.”
Reflecting on the experience, Andrew says: “At the finish line, I felt proud and accomplished. I know in the back of my head I’m doing it in memory of my dad and for others affected by MND.”
Andrew’s commitment is clear: “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything super amazing for fundraising. But I’m happy to play my part. If what I do helps raise awareness and funds for MND Scotland, then that’s fantastic.”
MND Scotland would like to thank Andrew for his continued support and for raising vital funds for MND Scotland.
If you would like to help make time count for families affected by MND and take on a challenge to help raise funds, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk or email: fundraising@mndscotland.org.uk for more information.
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