Remembering Euan MacDonald MBE

We are deeply saddened to hear that Euan MacDonald, founder of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, has died at the age of 50. 

Euan was just 29 years old when he was diagnosed with MND in 2003. Following his diagnosis, Euan and his father, Donald MacDonald CBE, committed to doing whatever they could to ensure MND research was brought to the forefront of everyone’s mind. Having both come from an investment background, they approached a group of key MND researchers at the University of Edinburgh and began discussions to establish The Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research. Euan was also a trustee of MND Scotland from 2006 until 2011.

MND Scotland has worked closely with Euan and Donald since the inception of the centre and funded research projects based there, including the innovative MND-SMART trial, which is the largest-ever clinical MND drug trial in the UK.  

Euan also supported MND Scotland’s campaigning work to improve the lives of people affected by MND, including backing the United to End MND campaign. This UK-wide campaign saw MND researchers, patients and charities come together to successfully campaign for a £50 million investment from the UK Government into targeted MND research.  

In 2013, Euan, his sister Kiki and Donald launched Euan’s Guide, a disabled access review website that is helping to open up towns and cities to disabled people everywhere by removing the fear of the unknown, and inspiring people to try new places.  

Rachel Maitland, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said:

“Euan has been a champion of progressing MND research since his diagnosis and we will continue to fight for a cure in his memory, and for all those affected by this devastating disease.   

“We thank Euan for everything he did to support the work of MND Scotland and for his contributions to the MND community through his efforts to raise awareness, improve accessibility for all and help drive our shared vision of world without MND. His legacy will live on through the incredible work he has done. 

“Our deepest condolences are with Euan’s family and friends at this difficult time.”