“I remember the day. It was absolutely the saddest moment of my life.”

Amy Gilroy, 29, a PE teacher at Galashiels Academy, will take on a half-marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this week to help raise vital funds for MND Scotland following her father’s diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND).

Amy grew up in Heriot in the Scottish Borders, attended Galashiels Academy, and later moving to Edinburgh for university. She has since returned to her roots, now working as a PE teacher at her old high school.

Amy is taking on the half-marathon in support of MND Scotland after her dad, Bill Gilroy, was diagnosed with MND in October 2024. Bill, who is originally from Edinburgh, lives with Amy’s mum, Lynda, in Darnick, near Melrose.

Bill began experiencing symptoms in early 2024 after having several falls. His legs would give way, and this resulted in some serious incidents where he banged his head badly.

After months of appointments, the family was initially told that Bill’s symptoms may be related to a back issue, and even had a procedure booked for him. However, doctors looked into the possibility of Bill’s symptoms being related to MND.

Bill was diagnosed with MND in October 2024.

“I remember the day my mum told my younger brother and I the news. It was absolutely the saddest moment of my life,” Amy said.

Since his diagnosis, Bill’s condition has progressed significantly. Amy said, “So far, my dad has lost all ability to use his legs, and his hands and arms have become much weaker now. He can still lift smaller things but struggles to lift a mug to his mouth by himself.”

In December 2024, Bill suffered a heart attack and was taken to the Royal Infirmary, adding to what Amy describes as, “a big scare so soon after the diagnosis.”

Amy’s mum, Lynda, has taken on full-time caring responsibilities after leaving her job, while also campaigning for change for families affected by MND.

Amy said, “My mum is pushing for change within the Scottish Government. She’s a very inspirational woman who never does anything with less than 110%. She is truly the biggest rock and holds everything together for our family, whilst also currently trying to fight for change for future families.”

MND Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends. Since being founded forty-five years ago, the charity has provided practical, financial and emotional support to everyone affected by MND whilst also funding essential research into finding effective treatments and a cure.

Amy says her dad and family have received support from MND Scotland and wants to give something back. She took part in MND Scotland’s Fun Run in Glasgow last year with her younger brother, Ross, raising over £950.

Amy is now preparing for a half-marathon next month to raise further funds for MND Scotland. She explained, “I wanted to keep going, so I signed up for a bigger challenge with the half-marathon.”

She has already raised over £1,100, thanks to the support of friends, family, and people within the local community. Amy said, “People around us have been so kind and generous and given so much for both the fun run and the half-marathon. We are lucky to be surrounded by some amazing people who support us through it.

Amy hopes her fundraising will help ensure families affected by MND continue to receive vital support, both now and in the future.

MND Scotland would like to thank Amy and her family for their continued support. If you would like to donate and support Amy, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/amygilroy17

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.