Motor neuron disease research event ‘kicks off’ at Celtic Park this September

Scotland’s motor neuron disease charity, MND Scotland, is hosting a free, interactive, and educational local research event at Celtic Park, Glasgow, on Thursday 11 September 2025, from 2pm to 5pm, thanks to support from Celtic FC.

The Lived Experience and Researcher Network (LEARN), organised by MND Scotland and supported by Celtic FC, brings together people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) and local MND researchers.

It is an opportunity for attendees to hear presentations from MND researchers; take part in open discussions with MND researchers and people affected by MND; participate in sessions facilitated to build relationships between attendees and researchers; and have opportunities to learn about current MND research.

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.

The LEARN event will explore some of the latest developments in MND research for those affected by the disease and provide an opportunity to build relationships between those with lived experience and researchers to make sure that research reflects the needs of people with or affected by MND.

Dr Jane Haley MBE, Director of Research for MND Scotland, said: “We believe that people affected by MND should be at the heart of what we do. Our LEARN events provide an opportunity for both a meaningful dialogue with the researchers we fund and a mutual exchange of experiences. Celtic football club has direct experience of MND, and we are pleased that we are working together to deliver our Glasgow LEARN event for 2025.”

It’s a cause close to the hearts of Celtic FC and fans since the diagnosis of Lisbon Lion, Jimmy Johnstone. The legendary Celtic player was diagnosed with MND in 2002 and died in 2006 at the age of 61 years old.

The Club also kindly hosted MND Scotland at last year’s Kevin Sinfield ‘Running Home for Christmas’ challenge which raised over £1m for seven MND charities across the UK – including MND Scotland.

MND Scotland has been working closely with Celtic FC and together, welcome the MND community to Celtic Park for the upcoming LEARN event this September.

A spokesperson for Celtic FC commented: “We are delighted to connect again with MND Scotland and assist with such an important event.   Motor neuron disease is such a cruel illness, with devastating symptoms and has tragically affected a number of people close to the club, including the great Jimmy Johnstone.

Across a number of years, Celtic has supported a range of initiatives aiming to help people affected by MND and we are pleased to do so again in September as we seek to raise further awareness and offer support to all those in Scotland affected by this terrible disease”.

Across all LEARN events, there will be opportunities for people with MND, carers, family and supporters to meet and engage with local MND researchers, to learn more about their work.

At the Glasgow event, attendees will hear from presenting researchers Dr Danielle Leighton from University of Glasgow, Dr Caroline McHutchison from University of Stirling, and Dr Katie Hanna from University of Aberdeen.

There are around 480 people in Scotland currently living with MND.

MND Scotland invites those interested in this research learning event to hear more about their contribution in the fight against MND.

LEARN Glasgow will take place on Thursday 11 September 2025, 2pm-5pm, at Celtic Park. Event details (including information about parking, accessibility, and how to register) can be found here.

The online registration link can also be accessed here.

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