Health and wellbeing – Page 2 – The NEN

Breaking Multiple Sclerosis trial results: Alpha-lipoic acid shows ‘early promise’ to treat progressive MS at milestone moment

First time a multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial has reported positive results in a neurological condition
Diabetes drug metformin removed from trial, but innovative design means more drugs can be added in 2027
Researcher warns of significant risk of taking unlicensed drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial

Interim results from a world-first multiple sclerosis (MS) trial have found that an existing medication, alpha-lipoic acid (also known as ALA), is showing early promise as a potential treatment to slow progression in MS.

Researchers from the Queen Square MS Centre and Innovative Clinical Trials Unit (InCTU) at University College London (UCL) revealed that the drug could have potential to become the first neuroprotective treatment in MS. But stress people should not attempt to acquire alpha-lipoic acid outside a clinical trial, as further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy – and particularly its safety – in MS.

MS can be debilitating, exhausting, and unpredictable, and symptoms range from chronic fatigue and bladder and bowel problems to mobility difficulties. While there are over a dozen treatments for those living with relapsing MS, tens of thousands with the progressive form* desperately need treatments to stop their MS getting worse. Those drugs that do exist only work on one aspect of the condition – the immune system. They don’t stop the gradual nerve damage that leads to long-term disability. Finding ways to protect nerves from damage is key.

The innovative progressive MS trial, Octopus, uses a multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) design, which means it can test potential new treatments up to three times faster than conventional trials.

Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre: UCLH, Octopus has provided a blueprint for similar trials across neurological conditions, from motor neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease to psychosis. It has been testing two drugs at once – a high dose of alpha-lipoic acid and diabetes drug, metformin – and comparing each one against a placebo.

Alpha-lipoic acid will now continue to the second stage of the trial. Data from both stages will then be combined to provide a definitive phase 3 result. However, metformin did not demonstrate sufficient promise to be taken forward. This will now be removed from the trial, with all participants from that arm leaving the trial and coming off the drug in the coming weeks.

More than 850 people have joined the trial at hospitals across the UK, including Scotland, as well as in Australia¹. Now the team are seeking hundreds more people living with primary or secondary progressive MS to sign up.

Thanks to this positive result, in the coming years Octopus will become the world’s largest ever trial in progressive MS. The trial design means other drugs could be added as soon as early 2027.

Margaret Anderson, 57, lives in North Edinburgh and joined the Octopus trial after it launched in the city. She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS about 20 years ago and now lives with the secondary progressive form of the condition. Her symptoms include fatigue, spasms, sensory pain, and mobility issues, and she uses crutches to help her walk.

After finding out she would be continuing on the trial, Margaret said: “It makes me feel optimistic for the future knowing there’s research like the Octopus trial happening. There must have been some good signs with the drug they’ve carried on so there’s hope there.

“I heard about the trial from my neurologist, and I wanted to take part because us patients have to do our bit as well. It might not benefit me but if it can benefit people with MS in the future then I’ll do anything I can. You don’t know whether you’re on a drug or a placebo but it’s a chance worth taking.”

When asked what she would say to someone living with MS who was considering registering their interest in Octopus or another research trial, Margaret added: “I’m being very, very well looked after and cared for on this trial. I would tell people not to be afraid of signing up.

“The more of us that can take part in research the better, and the more the researchers will learn. And hopefully, as well as finding new treatments, one day there’ll be a cure for MS.”

Dr Peter Foley is Principal Investigator for Octopus at the Edinburgh trial site, based at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh. He said: “The team at the Anne Rowling Clinic has been encouraged to hear of the latest developments in the Octopus trial.

“While of course it’s disappointing in some ways that metformin won’t progress to the next stage of the trial, it’s positive that Octopus is already helping to work out what treatments might be helpful.

“Building on these early results, alpha-lipoic acid will continue to be tested as a potential future treatment for progressive MS. We’re happy to be able to support delivering this important trial in Scotland, and are very grateful to all the trial participants who have committed so much time and effort.

“We hope that the success of the innovative Octopus trial design so far is a positive step towards developing effective therapies for people affected by progressive MS.”

Octopus is being led by leading UCL neurologist Professor Jeremy Chataway, whose vision to rethink trials for progressive MS was born over a decade ago. He says: “This is very exciting and proves not only that the Octopus trial design works, but that a new way of protecting nerves could be on the horizon.

“Of course, learning that metformin will be discontinued is disappointing. But finding treatments for progressive MS is extremely difficult, and we’re so pleased to be taking alpha-lipoic acid into the second stage of the trial.

“We’re now looking forward not only to seeing what the final results are, but also to adding in new ‘arms’ to Octopus next year.

“In the meantime, we do need to remind people with MS to not try to source unproven drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial.”

Dr Emma Gray, Director of Research at the MS Society, says: “We are so proud to be funding the first ever MAMs trial for people with progressive MS. It’s been a privilege to be part of the team and to have united the MS research community and worked with people living with MS to make this happen.

“MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable but today’s results are a huge step forward and show treatments to slow or stop MS progression have never been more within our reach. Octopus was made possible entirely by public donations and our Stop MS Appeal.

“We’re continuing to seek funding from our generous supporters for the future delivery of the trial to build a future where no one needs to worry about MS getting worse.”

Professor Max Parmar is Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology and Director of the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology at UCL. His underpinning work was key to the launch of the STAMPEDE trial for prostate cancer in 2005 – the world’s first MAMS Platform trial for any condition and the inspiration behind Octopus.

He says:”The MAMS platform design has transformed how we test new treatments in prostate cancer through the STAMPEDE trial, dramatically accelerating the evaluation of promising therapies and delivering benefits to patients years, and in some cases decades, sooner than would have been possible with conventional approaches.

“It has fundamentally changed the pace at which we can make progress. It is therefore tremendously encouraging to see these interim results from Octopus, demonstrating for the first time that this innovative approach can be successfully applied in multiple sclerosis. The potential to evaluate treatments more efficiently and accelerate progress for people living with MS is incredibly exciting.

“Reaching this stage is a remarkable achievement and reflects the vision, dedication and collaboration of the entire MS research community, as well as the commitment of the participants who have made the trial possible. I am excited to see how Octopus develops and the impact it could have on the future of MS treatment research.”

Anyone who has primary or secondary progressive MS and is aged between 25 and 70 in the UK can register their interest via the UK MS Register to take part in stage 2 of the Octopus trial.

Please note there is a waiting list for the trial.

Visit www.ukmsregister.org/octopus.

More people than ever using Edinburgh’s bike lanes

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk, Edinburgh

67,572 cycle journeys recorded on Leith Walk in the month of May, a 25% increase on May 2025
Record share of journeys on York Place being made by bike

New traffic data analysed by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, shows the continuing success of high-quality cycle lanes, with record levels of cycling seen on key routes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Over a 48-hour period in May 2026, traffic surveys recorded 5,653 bike journeys on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk – a record at this location.

Cycle journeys accounted for 11% of all methods of travel on Leith Walk, with more bikes than cars counted during one morning rush hour period (8-9am, Wednesday 13th May) – the first time this has been observed on an on-street cycle route in Edinburgh.

On nearby York Place, where protected cycle lanes now connect the City Centre West East Link route to Leith Walk, 2,018 bikes were recorded over the 48-hour period, amounting to 4.7% of all travel methods recorded, both marking new records for the location.

This cycling modal share is a significant increase on the first survey conducted on York Place in May 2021, when bikes accounted for only 2.1% of journeys – a sign of the growing impact of the new cycling infrastructure.

In addition to results from this 48-hour traffic survey, a permanent cycle counter on Picardy Place at the top of Leith Walk has been recording its highest levels of cycle traffic in 2026. 67,572 cycle journeys were recorded through all of May 2026 compared with 54,193 throughout May 2025 (an increase of 25%).

Great Junction Street in Leith saw a record 2,043 bikes counted over the two days, with a cycling modal share of 4.4%. This follows the recent completion of Leith Connections project, with a new protected cycle lane connecting Leith Walk to Commercial Street.

At all of these locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that more people are travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

Analysis of traffic levels also shows that long-term increases in cycling modal share at these locations are primarily due to more people cycling, rather than any corresponding decrease in vehicle traffic.

Traffic surveys carried out by Cycling Scotland, in partnership with local authorities, involve a temporary camera counting all passing traffic at more than 50 locations across Scotland. The surveys count all travel modes including pedestrians, bikes, cars, buses, vans and larger goods vehicles.

Conducted biannually each May and September, with funding from Transport Scotland, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh. The record levels of use across the city particularly on Edinburgh’s City Centre West-East Link demonstrates the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.

“Active travel is pivotal in helping people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions – walking, wheeling and cycling is transformational for both people and planet.

“We are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year, and the evidence shown by these figures highlights how this funding is creating safer and easier routes that will lead to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new figures speak for themselves.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen city cycling records being consistently broken. This is a direct consequence of our commitment to creating and improving cycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, as part of our City Mobility Plan.

“We’ve also seen the overwhelming popularity and success of our cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, providing a convenient and economic way for people to get around.

“It’s never been easier to cycle in the Capital, so I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see clearly from the data is where Edinburgh invests in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, more people are travelling by bike.

“The high volumes of cycling that we continue to see around morning rush hour tells its own story, with people evidently using these new routes to make everyday journeys by bike, including to work. We’re also seeing signs of a strong network effect, as routes begin to join together and make more journeys possible.

“Altogether, more people cycling is a net benefit for everyone, for our health, for reducing harmful pollution and reducing congestion on our streets. We need more safe cycling routes, to bring these advantages to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”

When to call 111

Not sure if you should call 111?

We can help you get the right care, in the right place.

Call 111 when:

• You feel unwell and need urgent advice, but it’s NOT life-threatening

• You think you might need A&E, but it isn’t an emergency

• You need help and your GP, pharmacy or dentist is closed

• You’re experiencing mental health distress and need support

When you call, a trained team will assess your symptoms and make sure you get the right help. That could be advice, a call from another clinician, or being directed to a local service.

REMEMBER:

Always call 999 or go to A&E for life-threatening emergencies.

for more info: https://www.nhs24.scot/111/

ELREC: Women’s cycle on Tuesday

We’re supporting women into cycling in North Edinburgh with Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre as part of our involvement with #northedinburghactivetravel

Come along to our next ride on Tuesday 22nd September at 10am and join this welcoming, supportive group!

There’s lots of active travel support in the area too – just check out the NEAT leaflet for more info:

R2 #collaboration

New funding round opens for Edinburgh community mental health and wellbeing projects

Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh

A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.

The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.

The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.

The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.

Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.

Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.

Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said: “Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.

“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”

EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.

Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.

Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Edinburgh Leisure achieves Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation to support men living with incontinence

A third of men quit the gym after prostate cancer treatment – the initiative will support them back into good physical and mental health
Leisure Trust becomes first group to roll out bins across every site

Edinburgh Leisure has achieved the Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation by introducing dedicated male incontinence bins and product dispensers across its venues.

It is the first leisure trust in Scotland to roll out male sanitary bins and products across all its sites. Its commitment also means it provides more sanitary bins than any other organisation in the area, helping men affected by prostate cancer treatment and urinary incontinence.

Developed by phs and Prostate Cancer UK through the Dispose with Dignity initiative, the BOG STANDARD encourages organisations to provide appropriate facilities for men living with urinary incontinence.

One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk doubles to one in four if you’re Black, but it can be curable if found early. As many as 60% of men who have a radical prostatectomy [surgical removal of the whole prostate and the prostate cancer cells inside it] may experience urinary incontinence¹. But suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain limited.

Almost a third of men (29%) said they stopped going to the gym because of their incontinence and lack of sanitary bins. Almost two thirds of men (59%) have said missing out on everyday moments like this has negatively affected their mental health.²

Edinburgh Leisure welcomes more than 6 million customer visits each year across venues throughout the city. The new facilities will help ensure that men living with incontinence can use Edinburgh Leisure venues with greater confidence.

Edinburgh Leisure has installed 292 dedicated incontinence bins and 292 product dispensers across 26 venues, helping men dispose of incontinence products discreetly and hygienically. This means Edinburgh Leisure is providing more bins for its customers than any other organisation in the area.

By supporting men and implementing these measures, Edinburgh Leisure has signed up to The BOG STANDARD- the minimum standards Prostate Cancer UK and hygiene services provider phs Group is asking organisations to implement to cater for men with incontinence.

Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation recognises organisations that provide dedicated disposal bins and incontinence disposal bags and commit to raising awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.

Perrotine Orr, director of operations at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Everyone should feel confident and welcome when using our venues. For men living with incontinence, access to the right facilities can make an important difference to whether they feel able to take part in everyday activities.

“By introducing dedicated disposal bags and bins, we hope more men will feel comfortable getting active or continuing to be active. We are proud to achieve Gold BOG STANDARD accreditation and to support greater awareness of prostate cancer and urinary incontinence.”

The BOG STANDARD Charter was developed by the Dispose with Dignity initiative, which aims to give men the confidence to go about their daily lives, free from the anxiety of having nowhere to change and dispose of their incontinence pads in public toilets. phs is the only hygiene provider that offers bins designed specifically for male incontinence products, which have been developed with Prostate Cancer UK supporters.

Matthew Brabin, CEO of phs said: “At a time when men need to be supported by businesses and workplaces, perhaps after receiving prostate cancer treatment, too many men are too anxious to leave the house, because the right facilities aren’t there for them.

“Whether it’s going to work, a conference, to their local sports club or even to the local for a pint, when there are no sanitary bins, men with incontinence are staying at home, when they should be with us. This is what our Dispose with Dignity initiative is trying to change, and we’re so pleased to see Edinburgh Leisure join the fight by signing up to The BOG STANDARD Charter.”

phs is the UK, Ireland and Spain’s leading hygiene services provider, and has been working with Prostate Cancer UK, the leading men’s health charity since 2023, to campaign for better facilities for men with incontinence as a part of their Dispose with Dignity initiative.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest public funder of prostate cancer research in the UK, and has invested over £130 million into research that has made diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer safer and more accurate than ever before.

The charity has also helped tens of thousands of men campaign for change, sharing their stories to influence policymakers, and advocating to fight health inequalities, raise lifesaving awareness, and improve access to treatments and support that improve men’s lives and create a brighter future for men living with and after the most common cancer in the UK; prostate cancer.

Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos. It’s causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going to work and doing the things they love.

“Edinburgh Leisure is now more welcoming and accessible for every customer and we hope other organisations will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they’re using toilets in public spaces.

“Prostate Cancer UK is here for every man who’s navigating prostate cancer. If you need any support or information, you can talk to our Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or via our website.”

For more information about The BOG STANDARD please visit:

phs.co.uk/maleincontinence

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP backs greater choice for children with life shortening conditions

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has highlighted the importance of ensuring children with life-shortening conditions and their families can access the right care, in the right place and at the right time, after hearing directly from families supported by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

At a recent event in the Scottish Parliament, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP joined families, health and care leaders, charities and community organisations in making their mark on a special CHAS installation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving support for children and families across Scotland.

The event heard how children’s palliative care helps babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions live as well as possible, while supporting their families emotionally, practically and clinically throughout their journey.

During 2025-26, 59 children and families across Edinburgh and Lothians East received support from CHAS through a combination of hospice care at home, and 24/7 specialist support. Alongside 1279 CHAS at Home hours and 483 specialist hospice bed nights, CHAS provided 1585 out-of-hours contacts, ensuring families could access advice and support whenever they needed it.

With the number of children and young people in Scotland living with life-shortening conditions having increased by 40 per cent over the past decade, CHAS is calling for continued focus on coordinated, family-centred support that gives families greater choice about how and where care is delivered.

Rami Okasha, Chief Executive of CHAS, said: “Every child with a life-shortening condition deserves access to the care and support they need, wherever they live in Scotland.

“As more children live longer with increasingly complex conditions, it is vital that services work together around children and families, providing coordinated support and genuine choice about how and where care is delivered.

“Children’s palliative care is a lead case for what public service reform looks like in practice, with health services, local government, communities and charities working together around shared outcomes rather than organisational boundaries.

“Families should not have to navigate disconnected systems to access support. By working together across health, social care, communities and the voluntary sector, we can improve outcomes for children and help families make the most of their precious time together.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP added: “Hearing directly from families who received support from CHAS was an extremely powerful reminder of the vital importance of this service. Families should not need to worry about whether and how they can access the right care and support at such a difficult time.

“Every child in Scotland facing a shortened life should be able to get the absolute best care and support, no matter their postcode.”

New estimates reveal the impact of physical inactivity on health

A new report published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) estimates the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity from selected mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in Scotland.

The analysis was jointly commissioned by PHS, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Active Scotland team within the Scottish Government. It builds on previous analysis of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, to provide a more complete picture of the impact of physical inactivity on the nation’s health.

The report estimates that more than 12,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to physical inactivity from mental health and musculoskeletal conditions alone. When combined with the previous analysis, physical inactivity is estimated to account for nearly 24,000 DALYs each year in Scotland. Mental health conditions account for around 38% of the newly identified total burden, with anxiety the largest contributor.

DALYs are a measure used to help show the impact of ill health on both length and quality of life. They combine years of life lost due to premature death with years lived in less than full health.

While the relationship between physical inactivity and conditions such as cardiovascular disease is well established, these findings show that it also contributes significantly to poor mental health, disability and reduced quality of life.

Addressing the social, economic and environmental barriers that influence activity levels is key to supporting active lifestyles, helping those who are least active to move more and preventing others from becoming inactive.

Dr Dionne Mackison, Head of Place, Environment and Health Harms at Public Health Scotland said: “This report reinforces the importance of physical activity as a key determinant of health, underlining its role supporting good mental wellbeing, mobility and independence throughout life.

“Our Together We Can strategy, focuses on prevention and creating the conditions that enable people and communities to live healthier lives. Supporting people to be more active is crucial in preventing ill health and reducing health inequalities.”

Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Delivery and Service Development at Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) said: “This research project yet again highlights the importance of good mental health and its foundation in us all leading healthy, active lives.

“Creating the conditions which enable people to be more active, is an early and preventative approach to mental health. Supporting active, connected communities can help reduce the wider burden of disease and improve the quality of life for people impacted by mental health.”

Responding to the Public Health Scotland report, Lauren Bennie, Head of Scotland for Arthritis UK, said: “This report highlights the significant impact musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions have on people’s health and quality of life across Scotland, and the important role physical activity can play in prevention and management.

“Importantly, it notes that MSK problems are ‘among the most common reasons for GP consultations and work absence’, highlighting their wider impact on individuals, health services and the economy.

“While the report estimates that physical inactivity contributes to the loss of more than 3,000 years of healthy life through MSK conditions, for people living with arthritis, being active is not always easy. Pain, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility can themselves create major barriers to physical activity, creating a vicious cycle that can further impact people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“The substantial contribution of mental health and musculoskeletal conditions to the disability burden demonstrates that increasing physical activity is critical not just for living longer, but for living healthier lives, benefiting the individual, society and the economy.

“With around 1.7 million adults in Scotland living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, we need a much greater focus on prevention, early intervention and access to the right treatment and support.

“That is why Arthritis UK is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce Scotland’s first MSK Action Plan and include MSK conditions in the upcoming Long Term Conditions Strategy, providing the coordinated national approach needed to improve MSK health and help people live healthier, more active and independent lives.”

Read the full report

Find out more about PHS’s 10-year strategy Together We Can.

final-summary-estimating-the-pia-msk-mental-health Download

Callum set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon

Scot set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon this year in support of motor neuron disease charity

Callum Steell, 34, will take on the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon on 10 October 2026 in support of MND Scotland, and for his mother, Karen, who is living with motor neuron disease.

Callum lives with his wife, Clare, and works in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, for Charles Tennant – a leading independent chemical manufacturer.

In June 2024, Callum’s mother, Karen, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe.

Speaking about his mother’s diagnosis, Callum said, “My mum had been struggling with her speech and mobility for some time. It took about two and a half years of tests, and various hospital and doctor appointments before they could get to the bottom of it.”

MND affects everyone differently. A person may not develop all the symptoms, and their symptoms may progress at a different rate to someone else with MND.

Following her MND diagnosis, Karen made adaptations to her home, including her bed room and bathroom, to make things a bit easier going forward. She’s also had a recliner installed at home, has been reviewing wheelchair options, and banked her voice.

Callum said, “My mum is still able to get out and about and do plenty, which we are ex tremely grateful for, because we know others aren’t as fortunate. But we know how quickly things can change.”

In support of his mum and other families affected by MND, Callum will take on the GB Ultra Marathon event from Glasgow to Edinburgh on 10 October to help raise funds for MND Scotland.

He said, “It starts at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, just along from the West End, and then heads out the canal roads and finishes at Saughton Sports Complex in Edinburgh.”

Callum has been following a vigorous training routine to help prepare for the challenge, “I’m trying to build up the distance as much as possible each week. I’m currently running between 60km per week and at my peak the week out from the race, that will be up to nearly 85km all in.

“This involves not only long-distance runs, but also strength sessions to keep the mus cles as strong as possible. Recovery also fits into that too, all the while balancing a busy work and family life.”

Callum will take in a total of 57miles (92km) and an elevation of 231m as part of the challenge.

Some of Callum’s friends from the gym he attends took part in the Ultra Marathon last year in the hope of completing a personal challenge. This gave him the idea to take part for his mum and to help raise vital funds for MND Scotland to help other families af fected by the disease and to support MND research.

This isn’t the first time Callum has raised funds for MND Scotland. In 2025, he partici pated in and completed the Manchester Marathon and helped to raise £2,000 for MND Scotland.

Callum said, “I have had a personal trainer for the last couple of years now. I’ve always been quite competitive, so I want to try and complete it in as best a time as possible.

“My mum is always so proud that I’m taking on the challenge, which is so nice to hear.”

MND Scotland would like to thank Callum for his support in the upcoming Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon and wish him the best of luck in his training.

If you would like to support his challenge by donating, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/callum-steell-2

To make time count for families affected by MND by taking on your own challenge and help raise funds, please visit www.mndscotland.org.uk or email:

fundraising@mnscotland.org.uk for more information.