Steven and Alan Lindsay are undertaking four remarkable fundraising challenges to honour the memory of their beloved mother, Barbara Lindsay who passed away earlier this year after a courageous battle with motor neuron disease.   

Steven Lindsay, (46), an Operations Director from Netherlee, Glasgow, grew up in Rutherglen. He lives with Kuldeep, and the couple have three children together, Mya (11), Nihal (10), and Kishan (7). Alan Lindsay, (37), works at a secondary school in Dumfries as the Principal Teacher of PE and lives in Cambuslang with his fiancé, Andrea and her son, Murray.  

Both brothers are preparing to take on four fundraising challenges in memory of their mother, Barbara, and hope to raise vital funds for MND Scotland to help support other families affected by motor neuron disease.   

Barbara Lindsay grew up in Glasgow’s Cranhill area and moved to Toryglen at age 5. She attended Toryglen Primary and Kings Park Secondary School, where she met her husband, Jim. They were together for 53 years and lived in Rutherglen. They have four sons: Steven, Brian, Greg and Alan.  

Speaking about Barbara, Steven said: “Our mum was very formidable, organised, driven and passionate. She was very much involved in her local community. She was part of the PTA, had been a coach for the local Netball team, and a treasurer for her church. She was very influential to a lot of people in the community”.   

Barbara enjoyed crafting, gardening and cooking. She worked as a Headteacher across Glasgow and the surrounding areas, and most recently taught at West Coats Primary School in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire.  Barbara went on to coach others who also wanted to become a headteacher.   

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in June 2023. However, the family felt something wasn’t right so, after further tests, she was then diagnosed with MND in June 2024.   

She died shortly before her 71st birthday in February 2025.   

Steven reflected on MND, stating: “I didn’t know much about motor neuron disease, only through high-profile cases like Doddie Weir and Rob Burrows.  

“The hardest part was being told that we only had about 8-12 months left with our mum after her MND diagnosis. As her condition worsened, it became a grim reality for all of us. Despite the confusion surrounding her Alzheimer’s diagnosis—she still had her memory but lost speech and mobility—her anxiety grew, and she couldn’t sit still. Looking back, I recognise these were MND symptoms”.  

It was a difficult time for the family, as they had recently just lost their father: “We had just lost our dad from a heart attack, and then we were told that our mum had MND, so we knew that we didn’t have much time left with her”.  

Steven and Alan decided that they wanted to take on a challenge for Barbara and in support of MND Scotland – the only charity in Scotland dedicated to directly supporting people with MND, their families and friends.    

MND Scotland offers a variety of free wellbeing support services to families affected by the disease including an online peer support group, counselling, and bereavement support.  Additional services include independent support, financial support, accessible holidays & grants, and an advocacy service which ensures families can access the support they need.  

Steven will take part in two marathons within two weeks – the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on 11 May 2025, and the Edinburgh Marathon on 25 May 2025: “I couldn’t decide which one to enter, so I decided to take on both! I’ve taken part in five marathons in the past, but the last one was 15 years ago. Taking on these challenges has given me the motivation to help deal with what’s happened in the last 12 months. I’ve been training for the upcoming challenges by running 5 days a week and taking part in 10Ks and half marathons”.  

Steven’s younger brother, Alan (37), will compete in the Etape Caledonia challenge on the same day as the Leeds Marathon challenge. Both brothers will then take on The Five Ferries Cycle Route across Scotland at the end of May – all in support of MND Scotland and their mum Barbara. 

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We want to thank Steven, Alan and their family for sharing their story about Barbara and wish them the best of luck with their upcoming challenges in May”. 

“We are so grateful for their passion and commitment. Our work is only possible through the generosity of individuals who take on fundraising challenges in support of our cause”. 

If you would like to support Steven and Alan in their upcoming challenges, please visit their Go Fund Me 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.