MND Scotland Chairman Set to Conquer Monster Triathlon

They don’t call it the Monster Triathlon for nothing – a 5km open water swim, 1000kms of cycling and a 50km ultra marathon is what awaits MND Scotland Chairman Adrian Murphy this Sunday.

Those are the chunky numbers to be overcome in a matter of just seven days, but Adrian has just one figure in mind; the £40,000 he is aiming to raise for MND Scotland as part of his overall “Monster Challenge”.

With two etape cycles and the Edinburgh Marathon already completed in recent months, Adrian couldn’t be better prepared for the greatest physical challenge of his life. Nor could he have greater motivation – his mission to raise £40,000 or more is fuelled by the inspiration that is his older brother Brian, currently living with MND.

Adrian, who became Chairman of MND Scotland in November 2020, said: ‘It has felt like a really long build-up to this moment and now I’m simply champing at the bit to get started. Once I am in the water at Loch Ness on Sunday there’s no turning back and every kilometre I complete from then on is one closer to the finish line in London the following weekend.

‘The origin for the whole challenge, and the reason for the £40,000 target, was both my 40^th birthday and – more importantly – MND Scotland’s 40^th year in existence. I’ll also be thinking of Brian, and everyone living with MND, while I swim, cycle and run which I’m sure will help me deal with the inevitable tough moments during the triathlon.’

Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals and businesses, Adrian – at the time of writing – is hovering around the £30,000 mark in funds secured towards that total and is keen to thank all donors for their kindness.

In particular, major donations or commitments have so far been made by Cail Bruich, Glasgow Angling Centre, A&G King Timber Ltd, Nova Dog Chews, Allied Vehicles, Kained Holdings and McQuilken Lab Supplies, with more in the pipeline. In addition, Adrian’s Murphy Wealth colleague Jamie Calder donated the £4,683.67 he raised by cycling the North Coast 500 earlier this year.

Adrian added: ‘It’s been absolutely incredible, the response from everyone, it really has. To see that total reach £30,000 before the main challenge is underway is a great boost and the next target is to get to £40,000 as soon as we can – after that, who knows?

‘It’s only right to single out the businesses and individuals who have made such sizeable donations however it’s equally important to thank each and every person who has supported the fundraiser, every £10 has contributed towards that mighty total so far.

‘As I set my sights on Sunday, I’d also like to say that people can support me simply by following my social media channels, sharing, liking and commenting, and helping spread awareness of MND and MND Scotland which ultimately is what the challenge is all about. Thank you.’

You can follow Adrian’s Monster Triathlon from this Sunday via his dedicated Monster Challenge social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and can donate to Adrian’s monster challenge fundraiser by donating here.