Local SSE Depot in the Western Isles has organised a charity rugby day set to take place on 31st May 2025 in honour of a friend and colleague, Donald Graham, who is living with motor neuron disease. The team aims to help other families affected by this disease by raising essential funds for MND Scotland. 

Donald Graham was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in August 2023, just six months after retiring from a 37-year career as an Overhead Linesman with SSE.  

In his spare time, he was an avid rugby player who spent his youth playing for Hyndland Rugby Club in Glasgow, before moving to Stornoway where he continued playing until hanging up his boots in 2010. He continues to be a stalwart of Stornoway Rugby Club and regularly cheers on the team at home games. 

Donald’s friends and colleagues at SSE hope to raise important awareness about MND and generate funds for MND Scotland during next month’s rugby day. 

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. 

There are approximately 450 people in Scotland living with the disease.  

MND Scotland is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends. 

Fiona MacLeod, Western Isles Operations Manager, said: “We were all devastated to hear of Donnie’s diagnosis and want to do what we can to raise awareness of this cruel disease.  Any donation will be gratefully received and will help in supporting individuals and families affected”.  

Every penny raised donated to MND Scotland helps the charity continue providing support services for families affected by the disease and helps fund innovative MND research and trials in the hope that one day a cure will be found. 

Lynne Wiseman, Fundraising Lead for MND Scotland, said: “SSE’s upcoming charity rugby day is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to MND Scotland’s cause, and serves as a heartfelt tribute to their friend and colleague, Donald. 

“We are incredibly grateful for SSE’s support and vision of a world without motor neuron disease. The donations received from the event will enable MND Scotland to continue supporting the families affected by MND. 

“We would like to thank SSE for their support, say thank you to Donald for sharing his story, and wish the team all the best for the upcoming event!”. 

SSE’s charity rugby day will kick off at 2pm and is open for anyone who would like to go along on the day to show their support. If you would like to donate to SSE’s team page, please visit their JustGiving Page. 

For more information about MND Scotland, how we can support you or your family, or if you’re interested in taking on a fundraising challenge, please visit: www.mndscotland.org.uk, email: info@mndscotland.org.uk, or call: 0141 332 3903.