Dumfries Dad Runs 100 miles for MND

Andrew’s mother, Anne Robertson (65), was diagnosed with MND in October 2015.

Andrew, who is married to Catherine (40) and dad to Euan (9) and Sophie (6) moved to Langport in Somerset 15 years ago to work as an Assistant Manager at a plumbing supply company.  

He said, “When Mum told us that she had been diagnosed with MND it came as a bit of a shock but like most things we took it in our stride. We went onto the internet to find out what it was, what to expect and how to deal with it. Our lack of knowledge has made me more determined to raise awareness and understanding of it through my fundraising.” 

Anne, who still lives in Annan, said “In May 2014 my friends noted I had lost weight and my speech wasn’t right.  I had initially put it down to my false teeth not fitting properly.  

“However this went on until December 2014 when I went to the doctors with a build-up of mucus in my airways.  The doctor picked up my speech was slurred so he started to do blood tests, and referred me to a neurologist for an MRI scan and a speech therapist for nerve tests. 

“After lots of checks I was finally given a diagnosis of MND in October 2015. I have received fantastic care since my diagnosis; from my MND nurse and consultant, to my speech and language therapist and dietician. 

“I have also had a lot of support from MND Scotland. I have used their complementary therapy service and the massages really help me relax. I have also used the charity’s Welfare and Benefits service, where the team helped me filled in lots of complicated forms for my PIP allowance.” 

Andrew has already completed three races; the Yeovil Half Marathon, Longleat 10k and Taunton Half Marathon. He is also set to come north of border for the Edinburgh Half Marathon on 28^th May. 

On his challenge, Andrew said, “I decided on this challenge initially from a conversation with my boss who was going to do something similar until he got injured. He sowed a seed in my mind and the more we talked about it the more I thought I should do something, so here I am doing it. 

“Before this you could have called me a part-time runner. I only went out when the mood took me, not regularly.  Then I started running as a way to unwind after work and keep fit, but only short distances, which led to me getting the running bug. 

“The training is going well but having now completed three events; it’s about maintaining fitness and energy going forward. It’s not just training for one date but several over a period of time, and then continuing it in between events. Each event and training run is a good challenge in itself as I want to get quicker and fitter. 

“I know it will be hard though, especially over the summer months when I enjoy a good BBQ, or during a wet week when I have to go out and run in the cold wet weather. My son Euan occasionally comes out and does some training runs with me, which helps me get out when I’m not feeling as motivated.” 

Andrew is aiming to raise £750 for MND Scotland and has already reached over £600. 

He said, “I’ve lived in England for a long time now but decided to raise funds for MND Scotland because they have been a fantastic support to my mum and I wanted to give something back and help them find a cure for this horrible disease.” 

Anne added, “I am really proud of Andrew for choosing to fundraise for MND Scotland and hopefully it’ll help find a cure one day.” 

Iain McWhirter, Head of Fundraising and Volunteering, said: “Without supporters like Andrew we would not be able to continue providing practical, financial and emotional support to people affected by MND across Scotland and funding research into a cure. 

“We want to wish Andrew the best of luck completing his challenge!” 

You can donate to Andrew’s JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Robertson33.