Keen runner from Edinburgh will take part in the Wellington Marathon, New Zealand, in honour of father who battled motor neuron disease

Andrew Wonnacott, 58, grew up in Leith, Edinburgh. He moved to New Zealand at the age of 37 and works for a civil engineering company specialising in infrastructure. He has an older brother, Mike, and younger sister, Angie, and three children, Liam, Zack, and Leith – named in tribute to his Scottish roots.

It’s been a challenging few years for the family, as their beloved mother, Helen Mary Wonnacott, Died in 2023, and their father, Allan, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2024.

Speaking about his dad, Andrew said: “It’s always a real honour to speak about my father, Allan. I have fond memories of him growing up, such as teaching me how to ride a bike and helping me with schoolwork. I used to drive him up the wall because I talked too much!

“He served in the Royal Navy during the 1950s and 1960s and travelled the world. My mum, dad, and brother, Mike, lived in Hong Kong for four years while my dad was stationed there. After completing his service, he returned to Edinburgh and worked in various jobs, including as a service mechanic.

“He was a quiet, humble man – a true old-school character. He was the strong, silent type: clever, hard-working, and skilled at almost anything.

“I learned everything I know from both my parents. My mum worked as a nurse before she retired, and my father took great care of her when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s up until she sadly passed away.”

As the family came to terms with the loss of their mother, they faced another setback. They received the devastating news that their father, Allan, was diagnosed with MND the following year in November 2024.

Andrew said: “He started losing his speech and it was difficult to understand him, so he started writing things down. He was an independent man; he didn’t want to go into hospital, but he had no choice after our mother died.

“You could see that my dad was still mentally alert, but he couldn’t communicate. It’s quite a frightening situation. It’s truly awful. All diseases are terrible, but this one is particularly cruel.”

There are around 450 people in Scotland currently living with MND. On average, almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland.

Although Andrew was aware of motor neuron disease, he didn’t know exactly what it meant for his father or family: “It was quite an eye-opener, to think of how many people are affected. There are athletes, rugby players, and people of all ages dealing with various challenges. The life expectancy in some cases is striking as some people live many years without certain health issues. It’s truly remarkable and tragic to witness”.

Four months after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease, the family received the devastating news that their father, Allan, died on 06 March 2025: “The family were all there for him, but it was a stressful time for me as I wanted to spend as much time as we had left together. I was grateful I could travel to Scotland to see him. He died while I was there, and it was incredibly difficult.”

The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is no cure or meaningful treatments.

“I have a picture of my dad taken on his 86th birthday that my family sent me. He is laughing and you can tell he’s happy in the picture. Shortly afterwards, he ended up in hospital as he collapsed at home. He couldn’t be left alone, so we had to go into hospital.

“He was always active. He was very frustrated and anxious in the hospital and just wanted to get out of bed. The care he received in the hospital was exceptional. Our family are forever grateful for the specialist care and support my father received from the doctors and nurses at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.”

Allan decided to donate part of his brain, spine, and knee tissue to help medical research in finding a cure for the disease: “He wanted to help people with MND, so I’m doing something for him in his honour by taking on the Wellington Marathon in support of MND Scotland”.

Andrew will take part in his first marathon in a number of years – the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon on 29 June 2025 during winter season in New Zealand. He will be joined by his friend, Paul Ratcliffe, who has been a great support.

Based at Wellington’s iconic Sky Stadium, the marathon is a flat course that takes on a scenic tour of harbour bays and Capital landmarks such as the Railway Station, Michael Fowler Centre, Te Papa, Oriental Parade, Scorching Bay and Queens Wharf.

MND Scotland would like to wish Andrew and Paul the best of luck in the upcoming marathon and for the continued support. To help Andrew in his fundraising efforts, please visit his JustGiving Page to make a donation: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-wonnacott-1

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.