Alan Arnott will take on the Schneider Electric Marathon of Paris on Sunday 13th April 2025 in support of MND Scotland to honour the memory of his late brother, Michael, who bravely battled motor neuron disease (MND).  

Keen marathon runner Alan, hopes to raise important awareness and funds for MND Scotland to help support other families affected by the disease: “Whenever I’m out running, I remember it’s a privilege that I’m able to do so when so many people with MND can’t.” he said. 

Owner of Alan Arnott Eyecare in Milngavie, Alan (56), was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Moving to Scotland in 1988 to pursue his studies, he was destined to stay as he met his wife, Gill, from Glasgow. The couple live in Bearsden and are the proud parents of three sons, Tom (23), Jake (20), and Toby (18). 

Alan’s commitment to raising awareness and vital funds for MND comes from first-hand experience. His brother, Michael ‘Mike’ Arnott, was diagnosed with MND at the age of 43.  

Following a courageous battle, Michael died in February 2012, leaving behind a young family. 

On hearing Mike’s MND diagnosis, Alan said: “I will never forget receiving the phone call. I didn’t know much about MND at that time. I realised it was bad, but didn’t know it was terminal. When he told me that, my world completely fell apart. It was devastating for the whole family”.

Mike completed a physiology degree in Belfast, then moved to Dundee to complete a post-grad. It was here he met his wife, Joy. The couple moved to Aberdeen where Mike worked in the library at University of Aberdeen, and they had their three children, Lewis, Kay and Freya.   

Growing up, both brothers shared a passion for rugby and Mike was an avid music fan, amassing an impressive vinyl collection. Alan has fond memories of his brother: “Mike was very intelligent, well-read and knowledgeable. He was my Google, before there was Google”.  

Mike noticed something was unusual when he couldn’t fasten buttons by himself and experienced several unexplained falls. 

After several tests, Mike received an MND diagnosis, much to the family’s shock: “We witnessed him, and his family go through this awful disease.” Alan said. “His mobility and breathing steadily declined, and he eventually needed a feeding tube. He knew that he would one day lose his voice, so he banked it so he could use it once his speech was gone. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with MND before he got a chance to use it”. 

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 treatments.  

Despite his heartbreak, Alan found strength in his brother’s memory. He has since completed multiple marathons and challenges in support of MND research: “Mike and his family received a lot of support from MND Scotland while they were in Aberdeen. He was very passionate about raising funds for MND research”. 

In 2013, Alan organised a ‘Bike for Mike’ challenge with the support from a group of close friends. The cycling challenge started from Mike’s home in Aberdeen and finished in Murrayfield Stadium on the day of the Scotland vs Ireland Six Nations game – a special tribute to the brothers’ passion for rugby. Over £23,000 was raised for three different MND charities, including MND Scotland. 

Since being founded over forty years ago, MND Scotland continues to provide practical, financial and emotional support to anyone affected by MND and funded essential research into finding effective treatments and a cure.   

Alan has participated in various charity events in support of MND Scotland and other causes close to his heart. 

In 2014, Alan ran the New York Marathon and has participated in marathons in Rome, as well as local events in Belfast, Manchester London and Brighton. 

Most recently, he ran the Amsterdam Marathon alongside his son Jake, marking a memorable experience for them both: “Having seen what my brother and his family went through; I know how privileged I am to be able to make memories with loved ones – something that my nieces and nephew didn’t get a chance to do with their dad. Running the Amsterdam marathon with my son Jake is one of the highlights of my life. We finished together, hand-in-hand, and what made it even more special was doing it for MND and in memory of Mike.” he said.

Alan’s story highlights the impact MND has on families, and the need for others to support MND Scotland. 

Alan plans to run his ninth marathon in Paris this year with his son Jake, with hope of finishing within 3.5-hours – a personal goal which he hopes to achieve so he can qualify and compete in the Boston Marathon – one of the seven marathon majors. 

Alan has already raised over £1,000 for Paris thanks to the support he has received: “I’m so fortunate in work. My patients and friends are all so wonderful and are always very supportive in every challenge I undertake”.  

“If I reach my target for Paris sponsorship, I’ll have raised over £40,000 for MND Scotland since we lost Mike – a figure that I’m proud of, but also one that I hope to continue to add to”. 

By taking on this challenge, Alan hopes to honour Mike’s legacy and improve the lives of those affected by MND by funding vital research and support.  

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supporters like Alan. His dedication, passion, and perseverance inspire us all and remind us why we must continue the fight against MND”. 

MND Scotland would like to wish Alan and Jake the best of luck in the upcoming Paris Marathon in honour of Mike. 

If you would like to support Alan in his fundraising efforts by donating, please visit his JustGiving Page.

All donations collected will support vital MND research and help MND Scotland provide critical practical, financial, and emotional support to people affected by the condition.  

For more information about MND Scotland, how we can support you or your family, or if you’re interested in taking on a fundraising challenge, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk, email: info@mndscotland.org.uk, or call: 0141 332 3903.