Andy Huxtable (56), an Air Traffic Controller for NATS (National Air Traffic Services) from Ayr, has raised an impressive total of over £222,000 for MND Scotland.   His efforts contribute to the charity’s vision of a world without motor neuron disease (MND), a brutal condition that affects hundreds of families across Scotland. 

“I never set out to raise a specific amount of funds; that was never my intention.” Andy said. “Raising awareness and contributing to finding a cure have always been at the heart of my efforts. Once you meet people affected by MND, you witness first-hand the devastating impact it has on families and loved ones. I want to support those affected by raising funds for MND Scotland. I see myself as a small piece of the bigger picture”.

MND Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to directly supporting individuals and families affected by MND in Scotland.

Andy started his fundraising journey for the charity over 15 years ago, motivated by a personal connection through his friend and former colleague, John Mackie.  

Andy said: “John was a small man in stature; however, he participated in marathons, enjoyed rugby, and was an active supporter of Leuchars Golf Club.”  

“The Golf Club organised an Annual Charity Golf Day. I was preparing to leave the Air Force in 2008 and members of the Golf Club committee who had organised the previous charity events were moving on. With the free time I had around my shifts, I thought there was no better way to use my time than to contribute to a great cause.”   

Despite having no prior experience organising such an event, Andy sought help from friends, family, and business contacts and took on the challenge headfirst: “I had a reasonable idea what I was doing at first, so I began reaching out to everyone I knew and those who had supported previous events. With the assistance of Iain McWhirter, my wife Sharon, my friends Steve and Joy Evans, Chris Peacock and David Edgar we organised and hosted the MND charity event in 2008 in honour of John and others affected by the disease.” 

The event was a tremendous success, raising double what was collected in previous year’s events.  

Andy recalled: “John couldn’t believe it and asked how we raised even more than before. He knew I was leaving the Air Force and kindly asked if I could organise another event. In 2012, I arranged another MND charity event at Western Gailes Golf Club, having made a promise to John”. 

Since then, Andy has added more strings to his fundraising bow by establishing additional charity events to support MND Scotland. He has worked relentlessly in organising numerous fundraising events, ranging from Sportsman’s Dinners to Charity Golf Events to Charity Entertainment Nights, all in the hope of raising crucial funds and increasing awareness about motor neuron disease.  

Speaking about his friend John, he said: “Despite living with MND for 15 years, it took some time for John to be diagnosed. He eventually required a wheelchair and used Speak Unique to communicate. He had a very positive outlook and maintained a great deal of humility, but you could see how the disease stripped him of his dignity as it does to so many others”. 

“Many people diagnosed with MND are humble and keep their frustrations to themselves. John had maintained an amazingly positive perspective during his illness”. 

Andy is aware of the devastating impact an MND diagnosis can have on individuals and their families. During his fundraising efforts in memory of John, who sadly passed away in 2013, and others affected by the disease, another friend, Dave Rhodes, was also diagnosed with MND in 2018, and died in 2023. 

Reflecting on MND, Andy said: “I didn’t know much about motor neuron disease before meeting John, but I could see the profound impact it had on him, and eventually on Dave, both physically and emotionally”.  

Andy’s efforts have not only raised substantial funds towards MND research initiatives but have also played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the challenges faced by those affected by this devastating condition, and the impact it has on friends, family and loved ones.  

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Andy’s continued support, dedication and compassion in making time count for families affected by motor neuron disease across Scotland. Raising over £222,000 is an extraordinary accomplishment.   

“With supporters like Andy, MND Scotland has been able to continue supporting individuals and families affected by MND. Together, we are making a significant impact in our fight against MND, and we couldn’t do it without supporters like Andy. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all”.

Andy continues his fundraising activities as he has many events planned to take place during 2025.    

His forthcoming Sportsman’s Dinner, kindly sponsored by MKM Building Supplies (Kilmarnock) and in association with Park’s Jaguar and Land Rover (Ayr), will take place at The Carlton Hotel, Prestwick on Friday 28th February 2025. Tickets cost £60.00 and include a welcome drink, 3-course meal, and will include guest speakers: Tam Cowan, Eric Davidson, and Robbie Duncan.   

In addition to next month’s fundraiser, Andy is in the process of organising another Charity Golf Day at Turnberry on Friday 26th September 2025 in support of two charities, including MND Scotland. The charity event will be supported by local businesses, community members, and high-profile guest speakers including Andrew Murray and Alan Reid, to raise even more funds for MND research.   

There will also be an Entertainment Night, which will be held at The Carlton Hotel, Prestwick on Saturday 15 November, which will also raise funds for the same two charities, including MND Scotland.    

In recognition of Andy’s commitment and dedication, MND Scotland would like to say thank you to Andy for his continued efforts in supporting our cause and his contribution to the MND community. 

For more information about his upcoming charity events, contact Andy by emailing: andy.fundraiser@gmail.com.  

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.