Twenty-three-year-old, Connor Whitelaw from Kirkintilloch, will take on the West Highland Way this year to honour the memory of his beloved aunt Gwen, a vibrant lady, loved dearly by family and friends, whose laughter brought joy to those who knew her. Connor hopes to raise important awareness and vital funds in support of MND Scotland to help other families affected by motor neuron disease (MND).   

The West Highland Way is 96 miles (154km) stretch from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in beautiful scenery and a variety of terrains and altitudes along the way. The challenge can take between six to eight days to complete.  

Connor has decided to take on the challenge in honour of his aunt and in support of other families affected by the disease: “I’ve always wanted to do something for charity. I think it’s important to raise as much awareness as possible about MND. I want to help find a cure for this devastating disease and provide support to those affected by it”.   

MND is a brutal condition that affects hundreds of people across Scotland. It can rob someone of their 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.   

It’s a disease that resonates with Connor: “Seeing my auntie struggle with MND was heartbreaking. It takes away the essence of who a person is, and no one should have to experience such a disease. My aunt showed remarkable strength and courage. She was incredibly brave, and it’s essential we come together to support those living with the disease”. 

Gwen, affectionately known as Gwendolyn by her close friends and family, grew up in Castlemilk and worked as an emergency services call handler. It was around this time when she met her husband, Stuart Ferguson.  

Together, they had four children: Fiona, Katrina, Callum, and Glenn, and two grandchildren, Aaron and Logan. The couple moved and settled in Thurso and owned a bar in Caithness for many years.  

Speaking about his aunt, Connor said: “My auntie Gwen had a contagious laugh and would set off a full room. She loved doing impressions of people including Les Dawson and Dawn French – to name a few. She enjoyed reggae and rock music and self-taught herself to speak Arabic in the 1970s.”    

“I have very fond memories of her. She was always smiling and made everyone laugh. Whenever I visited her, she greeted me with a hug, and she always made sure there was a good supply of apple juice, which is my favourite drink”.

“The first, and last time, I was grounded was by my auntie. I arrived back at her house later than I said I would. I learned very quickly not to get on the wrong side of her!”. 

During a telephone conversation with her sister and Connor’s mum, Pauline, she noticed a change in Gwen’s speech and encouraged her to visit her GP. After undergoing various tests, Gwen received the devastating news that she had MND and shared her diagnosis with her family.  

Connor said: “I visited my auntie after she was diagnosed when she visited her dad, who was 96 years old at the time. It was upsetting for them both as they knew it would be the last time they would see each other”.  

“I noticed her speech was very slurred and she was choking a lot. I was shocked. It was then that I realised how serious it was”.  

Connor’s mum, Pauline, travelled back and forth to Wick to visit her sister. After each visit, the family could see Gwen’s health deteriorate.   

Connor and Pauline were scheduled to visit Gwen in Wick, a journey that would take them a considerable amount of time. On their way, they stopped in at Portmahomack to visit family and friends, deciding to stay the night to make their travels easier the next day. 

The following day, they received the heartbreaking news that Gwen sadly died just a few hours before they were due to visit. This was a cruel twist of events as Connor and Gwen often joked about how long it would take for Connor to travel to her home. 

Connor and Pauline’s experience highlights the brutal and swift nature of MND, showing how quickly it can take someone away from loved ones.  

To honour his aunt Gwen, Connor has organised a courageous fundraising challenge by taking on the West Highland Way on 15th April 2025 with three friends; Jude Welsh, Jack Johnston, and Wojciech Rduch. All proceeds raised from the challenge will go to MND Scotland to support families affected by the disease.   

“Every step I take will be for those who have faced this battle and for the loved ones left behind. She will be there with me along the way.” Connor said.   

MND Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to providing care, support, and research funding for MND. With the funds raised through Connor’s challenge and others who decide to fundraise for the charity, MND Scotland can continue to offer essential practical, financial, and emotional support to families navigating the challenges of MND, as well as advance research efforts aimed at finding a cure.  

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “Thank you Connor for sharing your story about your aunt Gwen and for your incredible dedication and effort in taking on the West Highland Way to help raise vital funds for other families affected by motor neuron disease.  

“Your commitment to our vision of a world without MND and raising vital funds and awareness truly helps to make time count for those living with the disease. We are so grateful for your commitment in taking on this epic challenge”.  

MND Scotland wishes Jude, Jack, Wojciech, and Connor the very best of luck in their challenge. If you would like to support Connor in his fundraising efforts by donating, please visit his JustGiving Page.

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.