Jinky’s Journey

On Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May 2026, Celtic FC Foundation MND Scotland and are coming together to host ‘Jinky’s Journey’ – a special 7‑mile walk from Viewpark to Celtic Park celebrating the life and legacy of Celtic and Scotland legend, Jimmy Johnstone, 20 years on from his passing from motor neuron disease (MND).

Supporters, fans, and the MND community are invited to walk the route from the Jimmy Johnstone Memorial Garden in Viewpark to Celtic Park, honouring Jinky’s remarkable life and the strength he showed throughout his MND journey.

 Honouring Jimmy Johnstone

Jimmy was diagnosed with MND in 2001 and bravely lived with the disease for five years before he died in 2006, aged 61.

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is no cure or meaningful treatment.

A Continuing Partnership 

MND Scotland continues to work closely with Celtic FC Foundation and Celtic FC to support people affected by MND and fund vital research.

Most recently, the charity hosted a free, interactive local research event at Celtic Park, where former Celtic player, Professional Player Pathway Manager, and interim assistant manager, Shaun Maloney, met with the MND Scotland research team and families affected by the disease. Shaun also reflected on meeting Jimmy Johnstone and spoke about the courage shown by people living with MND today.

Where Your Support Goes

The funds raised from the event will be shared equally between MND Scotland and Celtic FC Foundation.

MND Scotland is the only motor neuron disease charity dedicated to directly supporting people in Scotland with MND, their families and friends, whilst also funding vital MND research. The funds raised will support people living with the disease and contribute to vital MND research.

Celtic FC Foundation is the charitable arm of the Football Club. Their mission is to identify and engage with the most vulnerable and marginalised groups by providing support and opportunities. Their work strives to challenge poverty and promote inclusion, within their most disadvantaged communities. Proceeds raised from Jinky’s Journey will be devoted to their Lions Lunch Breaks projects, providing support for those living with dementia and their carers.

 Event details

• Registration is now open
• Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before signing up 
• The minimum age to take part is 10 years old (as of the event date). Participants aged 10-15 must have written consent to participate and be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian/responsible adult, who must also take part in the event.
• Registration fee: £20 for participants aged 16+ and £15 for participants aged 10–15.
  
  

What’s Included

• All participants will receive:
• A fundraising pack
• An official Jinky’s Journey event t-shirt (collected on the day)
• Snacks and refreshments along the route

Participants are asked to raise a minimum fundraising target of £135 for those aged 16 and over, and £35 for those aged 10-15 years old.

Join us this May as we honour the life of Jimmy Johnstone, support people living with MND today, and help fund research that brings us closer to effective treatments and a cure.