MND Scotland CEO takes on 700-ft wing walk

On June 12th, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Maitland, alongside Director of Operations, Sharon Gillies and Research Lead, Jennie Gabriel, will embark on a daring wing walk to raise money for the charity, enabling people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) across Scotland to access the support they need, when they need it.

By taking on this courageous feat, Rachel, Sharon and Jennie will follow in the footsteps of countless remarkable fundraisers who enable the vital work of MND Scotland, when they take to the skies, ascending to 700 feet, for an exhilarating 120 mph wing walk.

Since assuming the role of CEO in July 2021, Rachel has spearheaded MND Scotland’s growth and transformation, shaping the charity’s bold new identity and leading the development of the ‘Making Time Count’ strategy for 2022-2025. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of support services to everyone affected by MND, MND Scotland invests in ground breaking research into the discovery of effective treatments and, eventually, a cure.

The charity is also an original founding funder of MND SMART, the UK’s largest MND clinical trial.

Speaking on her motivation to take on this challenge, Rachel said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be CEO of MND Scotland but I want to do more. I see first hand the impact this brutal disease has and the importance of the support MND Scotland provides to everyone who feels its impact.

“Although I’m sure that the idea of standing on the wings of a small plane is a scary prospect to most people, and one that is certainly making me feel more and more nervous as the time approaches, the truth is that no fundraising challenge could ever begin to compare to the struggles that people living with motor neuron disease face on a daily basis.” 

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow or breathe unaided and the average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

Sharon added: “During my time at MND Scotland, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals living with MND. Their strength and determination inspire me and although I can certainly relate to what Rachel has said about starting to feel a bit nervous, the people we support make it all worthwhile.

“Stepping out of my comfort zone is a small price to pay for the difference we can make in their lives.” 

Highlighting the importance of fundraising, Jennie said: “As a charity, we heavily rely on the amazing support of fundraisers and donors. That’s why events like this are absolutely crucial in enabling us to continue to provide support and in driving our search for a cure. 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who fundraises for us, and I’m thrilled for the chance to be on the other side, raising money to support the work of the charity and propelling us towards finding a cure. It’s an amazing opportunity to create a tangible impact and bring us one step closer to a world without MND.” 

Thanking everyone who has supported the team’s courageous effort, Rachel said: “Seeing the impact that we have as an organisation is inspiring. It really is a great privilege to lead a charity that serves to provide vital services which many people across Scotland rely on and to fund groundbreaking research. As both a CEO and now as a fundraiser, I am deeply grateful to everyone who has donated to our challenge so far.

“We can’t do any of this without you and still have a fair way to go in reaching our target, so if you have the means and can make a donation, we would be immensely grateful for your support. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful impact and brings us closer to our goal. Together, we will make time count and beat MND!” 

You can support Rachel, Sharon and Jennie’s incredible effort by making a donation here. For more ways to support MND Scotland, please visit us here.