Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

What are we doing?

In September 2017 my brother and I will be travelling to Peru to hike the Inca trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu in the Andes. We are taking on this challenge to raise vitally needed funds and to increase awareness of Motor Neurone Disease. We will be a part of a team of 28 members all working to raise awareness and funds for MND Scotland..

Shortly after arriving in Cuzco, Peru in September 2017 we will begin orientation and acclimatisation before setting off on a six day trek. We will be camping en-route as we traverse thick jungles and navigate steep mountain passes before reaching the ruins of the Inca city (standing at an altitude of over 7,970ft) by dawn on the sixth day. This will be one of the most physically and mentally challenging things we will ever do and although it is slightly terrifying, it is an opportunity of a lifetime and we are very excited!

The existing total on this Justgiving page was money raised from fundraising activities over the past 3 years. These activities included a Skydive, Walking the West Highland Way, Climbing Ben Nevis, Running a 10k, hosting a charity night, doing the 3 Peaks Challenge, holding a Summer Rose Ball in 2015 and reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in October 2015. Thank you to everyone who got involved previously and everyone who donated to help reach the previous targets. Special thanks to Craig Watson, Sharon Watson and Russell Pearse who took part in nearly all of my challenges with me and have been tired-less supporters!

We are raising money for MND Scotland which is the only charity providing care, information and research funding for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease in Scotland.

Why?

Our mum was diagnosed with Motor Neurons Disease in March 2011.

95% of MND cases are 'sporadic' and can affect anyone. However, a small number of cases are inherited or ‘run in the family’. This type of MND is called ‘Familial MND' and makes up about 5% of all cases - very rare.

Unfortunately, other members of her family also suffered from MND. Having Familial MND means there is a chance it may affect us or other members of our family in the future.

Our mum lost her battle on 3rd June 2013. A devastating time for us all. She was a great believer in supporting charities and the charity was a great support to her over the past few years of her life.

In memory of our mum we would like to do all that we can to support the charity, fund research and raise awareness of the disease and the daily battle people with MND face.

What is MND?

Motor Neurone Disease (known as ALS in the United States) stops the nerve cells that control the body’s movement from sending messages to muscles. MND is often rapid and always fatal. There is no known cure. As the disease progresses, the person will lose their ability to walk, talk and feed themselves, although their intellect usually remains unaffected. They will eventually lose the ability to breathe unaided.

There are currently 426 people living in Scotland with MND, more than 130 people will be diagnosed this year.

They need your support, so please dig deep and donate now.