Celtic FC Foundation and MND Scotland Team Up For Jimmy Johnstone 20th Anniversary Event

On Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May 2026, MND Scotland and Celtic FC Foundation will host ‘Jinky’s Journey’ – a 7‑mile walk from Viewpark to Celtic Park celebrating the life and legacy of Celtic and Scotland legend, Jimmy Johnstone.

Marking 20 years since Jimmy’s passing from motor neuron disease (MND), MND Scotland and Celtic FC Foundation have partnered together to offer supporters, fans, and the MND community an opportunity to walk from the Jimmy Johnstone Memorial Garden in Viewpark to Celtic Park in his honour.

Jimmy was diagnosed with MND in 2001 and bravely lived with the disease for five years before he died in 2006 at the age of 61.

Motor neuron disease (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 treatment.

MND Scotland continues to work closely with Celtic FC Foundation, and Celtic FC, in supporting those affected by MND.

Most recently, the charity hosted a free, interactive local research event at Celtic Park, where former Celtic player, Professional Player Pathway Manager, and interim assistant manager, Shaun Maloney, met with the MND Scotland research team and families affected by the disease. Shaun also reflected on meeting Jimmy Johnstone and spoke about the courage shown by people living with MND today.

Dr Jane Haley MBE, Interim CEO of MND Scotland said: This is a significant year for MND Scotland as we mark our 45th anniversary. We continue to put people affected by MND at the heart of our mission to support people affected by this brutal condition and find effective treatments and a cure. We are proud to be working with Celtic FC Foundation, and we look forward to welcoming supporters, fans, and the MND community to the upcoming Jinky’s Journey in May”.

Funds raised will be shared equally between MND Scotland and Celtic FC Foundation.

MND Scotland is the only motor neuron disease charity dedicated to directly supporting people in Scotland with MND, their families and friends, whilst also funding vital MND research. The funds raised will support people living with the disease and contribute to vital MND research.

Celtic FC Foundation is the charitable arm of the Football Club. Their mission is to identify and engage with the most vulnerable and marginalised groups by providing support and opportunities. Their work strives to challenge poverty and promote inclusion, within their most disadvantaged communities. Proceeds raised from Jinky’s Journey will be devoted to their Lions Lunch Breaks projects, providing support for those living with dementia and their carers.

Event details:

• Registration is now open: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jinkys-journey-tickets-1981310444876
• Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before signing up {link]
• The minimum age to take part is 10 years old (as of the event date). Participants aged 10-15 must have written consent to participate and be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian/responsible adult, who must also take part in the event.
• Registration fee: £20 for participants aged 16+ and £15 for participants aged 10–15

In addition to a fundraising pack, participants will also receive an official ‘Jinky’s Journey’ t-shirt on the day, as well as snacks/refreshments during the event.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum fundraising target of £135 for those aged 16 and over, and £35 for those aged 10-15 years old.

For more information, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jinkys-journey-tickets-1981310444876