Johnstone man takes on Dunoon Ultra in memory of colleague who lived with MND

Mark Bischuk, 55, from Renfrewshire, will take on the tenth anniversary Dunoon Ultra on 22 August 2026 in support of MND Scotland, and to honour the memory of a former colleague, Stuart MacDonald, who lived with motor neuron disease (MND).

“Stuart had advanced MND when I met him, but he was still a brilliant engineer, a sharp mind, a great man, and a kindred spirit. He loved the mountains and he loved running,” said Mark.

“One day he called me into his office. I thought he had a project for me, but instead he handed me a bag. Inside was a running top and a mountain running vest. He said, ‘I’ve never used them – get them up a mountain for me, Mark. That moment has never left me. It was a vow to honour a man I was honoured to have met.”

Mark grew up in Burnley in East Lancashire, before making Scotland his home 15 years ago. Now living in Johnstone, he spends most of his free time hillwalking and visiting lochs.

Mark later moved away for work, and believes Stuart died during that time. His memory has become the driving force behind his commitment to supporting MND Scotland.

MND Scotland is the only charity dedicated to directly supporting people in Scotland with MND, their families and friends, whilst also funding vital MND research.

By taking on the Dunoon Ultra, Mark hopes to honour Stuart’s memory while raising awareness of MND and supporting the vital work of MND Scotland.

Mark will tackle either the 54km or 48km route, depending on course changes caused by recent storm damage.

Training for the ultramarathon began in late 2025, with Mark running every day and combining regular strength, stability, and hillwalking to prepare for the challenge.

His weekly routine includes:

• 5 miles every weekday after work.
• Minimum 10 miles every Friday and Sunday.
• Long-distance runs up to 33 miles on Saturdays.
• Saturday sessions on the trail loop around the Falls of Clyde.
• Daily kettlebell and push-ups.
• Ongoing refinement of his race-day nutrition and hydration strategy.

“Running unsupported means I can’t afford to be under‑prepared,” Mark said. “I learned that the hard way during the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra in 2021. This time I’m building everything from fitness, strategy, and mindset, so that on the day, I just need to keep pushing for seven hours.

“Stuart’s kindness, courage, and love of the mountains still inspire me. This run is for him, and for everyone facing MND today.”

MND Scotland would like to thank Mark for his support. If you would like to donate and support his challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/marksultra2026

If you would like to 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.