MND Scotland has received £50,000 from My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to support people with MND across Scotland with the cost of living.
The money will be distributed by MND Scotland as a one-off cost of living support payment up to the value of £350.
Since 2018, the Foundation has committed a total of £480,000 to MND Scotland to further its work supporting people affected by the disease in Scotland.
Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said:“This one-off payment will be welcome news and we’re proud to partner with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to deliver this additional financial support directly to the people who need it most.
“A diagnosis of MND can bring with it a financial strain so the current cost of living crisis may disproportionately impact those with the disease. This money will therefore provide extra help to people living with MND who may be struggling with household bills or the cost of food shopping at the current time.”
Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’re acutely aware of the impact that MND has on those living with the disease and their families. For many, the rising cost of living will make an already terrible diagnosis even more distressing.
“One of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’s core pillars is ‘support’ and we’re proud to work with our friends at MND Scotland to provide assistance to those living with MND. These grants are made possible because of our brilliant supporters and thanks must go to them for their efforts.”
The Scottish Government is teaming up with MND Scotland to fund research to investigate potential causes of and therapies for motor neurone disease (MND).
Each partner is contributing £125,000 to provide the opportunity for a clinical professional to undertake a PhD to both enhance MND research and MND clinical capacity in NHS Scotland. The three-year Clinical Academic Fellowship will start in 2024.
According to MND Scotland, in the UK, there is a 1 in 300 lifetime risk of getting MND and there is currently no cure or effective disease modifying treatment available. Average life expectancy following diagnosis is just 18 months.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison announced the funding in Paris where she welcomed charity cyclists who had travelled from Edinburgh to raise funds for the MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Ms Robison said: “MND is a devastating condition, and we are committed to ensuring that all people living with MND in Scotland are able to access the best possible care and support.
“MND is incredibly distressing for the person with the condition and their family. The research funding in collaboration with MND Scotland will allow vital work to study the progression of the condition and help inform the development of future treatments.”
Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Scottish Government. This is our third joint funded fellowship and will further build MND research capacity within the NHS in Scotland.
“MND is a brutal disease that affects too many lives. With this joint funding, we are taking a further step towards understanding the causes of MND and the search for effective treatments.
“We look forward to future collaborations with the Scottish Government, including ensuring that Scotland is equipped to roll out any emerging treatments for MND which may arise from the clinical trials currently underway.”
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our founder Doddie Weir has died. Doddie was a force of nature, a great family man, tremendous rugby player and loved and respected by all who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Kathy, Hamish, Angus and Ben and we know you will join us in sending them our love and best wishes at this time.
Jill Douglas, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and close friend of Doddie’s said: “Doddie enjoyed a full life full of fun and love. And it was this approach to life which shone through in his determination to make a difference and help others when he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
“He inspired us every day with his positivity and energy and was fully committed to the work of the Foundation he launched with his close friends in November 2017. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation continues to shine a light on MND and the need to seek meaningful treatments and one day, a cure for this devastating disease.
“The Foundation has raised significant funds through the amazing efforts of our incredible supporters and has committed £8 million to MND research over this time. We have also given considerable funds to people living with MND and their families to help them live as fulfilled a life as possible.
“With Doddie’s enthusiasm and drive, we have collaborated with other stakeholders within the MND community and firmly established the Foundation as a trusted, influential and well supported charity.
“And our vision of a world free of MND remains at the heart of our strategy. As we look to the future, we will honour Doddie’s name and deliver on his legacy. There is much still to do and with your support, we will continue our work, remaining true to the values and ambition of our founder.”
MND Scotland:
We are deeply saddened to hear that Scotland rugby legend, Doddie Weir, has died aged 52 from motor neuron disease (MND).
The former British and Irish Lion, announced his diagnosis of MND on Global MND Awareness Day (21st June) 2017, and went on to raise an incredible amount of awareness of the disease by sharing his journey.
Doddie won the hearts of the Scottish public with his humour and positive attitude, and inspired them to join our cause, so that one day we will find a cure.
Following his devastating diagnosis, Doddie set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, to fund research into finding treatments and a cure. The foundation has also helped families living with MND in Scotland, by donating almost half a million pounds over five years to MND Scotland’s grants programme, which helps relieve some of the financial burden that comes with living with the disease.
Doddie dedicated so much of his time to raising awareness of the illness, particularly through his moving BBC Documentary ‘One More Try’, his appearances on BBC Breakfast with fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, and in his most recent book ‘Doddie’s Diary’.
In 2021, Doddie joined forces with MND Scotland, the MND Association, other people living with MND, and neurologists, to call on the UK Government to invest £50 million over five years into targeted MND research.
The petition started in his name received over 110,000 signatures in support of the ‘United to End MND’ campaign and led to a debate in UK Parliament. Thanks to the incredible efforts of all involved in the campaign, the UK Government announced its commitment to investing £50 million into targeted MND research in November 2021.
Doddie’s tireless efforts to create change will leave a lasting legacy. We will continue fighting in his memory, and for everyone else we have lost. Together, we will beat MND.
Rachel Maitland, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said:“Doddie Weir was a huge inspiration who will be missed by so many. His bravery in sharing his experience of living with MND helped raise vital awareness across the country and beyond.
“The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation contributed vital funds towards MND Scotland’s grants programme, which provides essential financial support to families affected by MND in Scotland.
“Together, we called on the UK Government to invest £50 million into targeted MND research, through our United to End MND campaign. The success of this campaign brings new hope of finding meaningful treatments and a cure sooner. MND does not wait for anyone and now we have another person taken too soon because of this cruel disease.
“We cannot thank Doddie enough for his support and contribution to improving the lives of those living with MND, and for all he did for the cause.
“I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Doddie’s family, friends and the foundation at this extremely difficult time.”
Scottish Rugbyissued a statement on behalf of the Weir family:
Rob Burrow MBE:
So sad to hear the news of the passing of my mnd hero Doddie Weir. I’m sorry to say, how many more warriors die before this stupid government give the 50m they said they would give.
I’m absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die. You are the reason for being so positive RIP
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:
This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.
He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones. #RIPDoddie
MND Association:
We’re sorry to hear that Doddie Weir OBE has died. Since sharing his MND diagnosis in 2017, Doddie became an inspiration to many, raising awareness and campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those with MND.
Our thoughts are with Doddie’s wife Kathy, his 3 sons, family and friends.
Lifelong Heart of Midlothian supporter, Stevie Morris, is speaking out about his diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) to raise awareness, in support of the Club’s partnership with MND Scotland.
Thanks to an innovative sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies, MND Scotland’s logo is taking pride of place on the front of the Hearts home kit for the 2021/22 season. To help raise more awareness, Stevie, from Mid Calder, is sharing his experience of living with MND and what the partnership means to him and his family.
Before being diagnosed with MND, the Tynecastle Park season ticket holder used to love playing sport, including football, walking football and golf multiple times a week.
He said: “I used to live a very active life before my diagnosis, and it has been really tough having my ability to play sport gradually fade away to the point where I just can’t do it anymore.
“I’m someone who likes to take care of their garden, but this past gardening season I was even starting to find mowing the lawn to be too much.”
Stevie, who is married to Mary (61) and dad to Craig (37), used to attend every Hearts game, both home and away, but due to his worsening condition, is sadly unable to travel to watch away games anymore.
“Hearts has always been a huge part of my life. It’s really important to me and I used to love travelling to the games on the Livingston Hearts supporter’s bus, but I can’t do that now. The walk to the ground from the bus is just too far. Even going to home games, I have to get dropped off right at the entrance and am in the process of moving my season ticket seat, so I don’t have to walk as far.
“Right now, I am still able to get down to the pub on a Sunday to watch other TV games, something I’m still really glad I can do.”
Stevie first suspected something was wrong during a round of golf, when he experienced a freezing cold sensation in his foot, something which seemed even more unusual given the warm weather on the day.
He said: “From visiting my doctor to being diagnosed took around nine months in total. There was a lot of testing involved and other things that had to be ruled out. At first, I thought it might have been a trapped nerve but sadly it was more serious than that.”
Stevie was diagnosed with MND in February 2021 and less than a year on is having difficulty getting up and down stairs, as well as relying on a breathing machine at night.
“Being diagnosed with MND was devastating obviously. It just floored us and the whole family went through a period of complete disbelief. Although I found it very difficult to tell my family and friends, the hardest part was definitely having to tell my dad.
“For the past three games, I’ve taken my dad for hospitality at Hearts, which has been an amazing experience for us both and something very special we could do together.”
Stevie and his son Craig are extremely happy about the partnership between Hearts and MND Scotland and have both got the strip with the charity logo.
He continued: “MND is a horrible disease. For my team to be involved in such a positive and direct way is tremendous. I hope the money raised from the partnership will allow MND Scotland to continue helping people in my situation. The support and services they provided me with really helped to take a load off my family – they are magnificent.
“I hope the message gets through that MND can affect anyone. I’m a fan, who is there every week. I’m your midweek, go to Inverness or Ross County fan. I’m a fan that will have a sing a long on the supporter’s bus, and a beer before and after the match. Hearts are my team. My wish is that no one else misses out on future games because of MND.”
MND Scotland’s Head of Fundraising, Iain McWhirter, said:“Our partnership with Hearts has been amazing so far, and both the club and its supporters have played an enormous role in our effort to raise vital awareness and funding, to help change the lives of people living with MND today.
“I want to thank Stevie for bravely speaking out about his story and sharing his experience with us.”
To help people like Stevie, and to join MND Scotland’s search for a cure, please donate today.
Heart of Midlothian FC is showing its support for 21/22 front of shirt partner, MND Scotland, by joining a call to the UK Government to invest £50 million into motor neurone disease (MND) research.
The Club proudly launched its new home kit for the 2021/22 season in July, with charity MND Scotland taking pride of place on the front of the jersey, thanks to an innovative two-year sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies.
Over the past year, the Club and its supporters have undertaken several fundraising activities as a tribute to former captain, Marius Zaliukas, who tragically lost his fight to MND in 2020.
Now, the Heart of Midlothian players are standing with MND Scotland, to urge the UK Government to invest£50 million over five years into targeted MND research.
The United to End MND campaign is being led by a coalition which includes MND Scotland, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the MND Association, people living with MND, and neurologists from across the UK.
Currently the UK Government’s funding for targeted MND research stands at less than £5 million a year, which the coalition says is not enough. £50 million from the UK Government over five years would fund a virtual institute for MND Research, providing the infrastructure needed for accelerating treatments for MND.
Just last month the coalition delivered a personal letter from people living with MND to 10 Downing Street, which stated ‘MND is a death sentence’ but that ‘research has now reached a point where a cure or life-saving treatments can be found’.
It continued ‘The current piecemeal and protracted approach of funding individual projects will not deliver the life-saving treatments we need…we urgently appeal for action and investment now’.
Andrew McKinlay Heart of Midlothian Chief Executive, said:“We know all too well at Heart of Midlothian the devastating impact MND has, having lost one of our own, Marius Zaliukas.
“If there was a cure, or effective treatments, Marius could still be with us. That’s why we are here today to support this call to the UK Government, for more targeted investment into MND research.
“The work MND Scotland does to support families living with this frightening disease is hugely important, as is their drive to find a cure for future generations. We are united with them to help end MND.”
Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said :“The support United to End MND has received from people in the community, politicians, clinicians, researchers and partners has been incredible to date, and we thank Heart of Midlothian for joining with us too.
“Too many lives like Marius’ have already been lost to MND, and people living with the disease today do not have time to wait for a cure. MND isn’t incurable, it’s just under-funded. Together, we will beat MND, but we cannot do it without the UK Government’s support.”
A bid for investment has been submitted to the UK Government’s Spending Review, and the call has already been debated in the UK Parliament after a petition to garner public support gathered more than 100,000 signatures in just three weeks.
Members of the coalition have also met with key politicians to explain the desperate need for the cash, to shore up the investment made by charities and industry.
To find out more about the campaign visit www.mndscotland.org.uk/united or tweet your support @MNDScotland @MNDAssoc and @MNDoddie5 using #United2EndMND.
MND letter relays the country in bid for £50 million from UK Government
Doddie Weir OBE and Euan MacDonald MBE have kickstarted a nationwide ‘MND letter relay’ from Scotland to 10 Downing Street. The letter, which has already been signed by hundreds of motor neurone disease (MND) patients from across the country, calls for the UK Government to invest in MND research.
United to End MND – a campaign led by charities MND Scotland, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and MND Association, as well neurologists and people living with MND – calls for £50 million of UK Government funding over five years to target MND research.
To catapult the campaign, patients throughout the UK have now written and signed a personal letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which will be presented at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday 21st September, by rugby legends Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast to launch activities on Thursday, Doddie said: “We are continuing to fight to try and make a difference, and to try and find a cure for this horrific issue of MND.The UK has the best researchers in the world and at the moment we’re nearly there to find a stoppage or a cure.
“So this letter, and the money from the Government, will make a massive difference. This will give a lot of hope to people with MND. We need to take it to the next level and with that we need the Government’s help.”
Before his departure to London, Doddie is leading the charge by sending the patient letter on a relay across the nation, to encourage more people living with MND to sign it, starting with fellow MND campaigner, Euan MacDonald in Edinburgh.
Euan, who has MND, is the co-founder of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research. He was joined there by Dr Suvankar Pal, Consultant Neurologist from the University of Edinburgh and Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, who are showing their support for the letter.
The letter states ‘MND is a death sentence’ but that ‘research has now reached a point where a cure or life-saving treatments can be found’. It continues ‘The current piecemeal and protracted approach of funding individual projects will not deliver the life-saving treatments we need …we urgently appeal for action and investment now’.
Euan said: “I very much believe the goal of finding treatments for MND is achievable. The letter and supporting statements highlight the personal impact this disease has had on families like mine and others up and down the country.
“We are trying to ensure other people’s children, spouses, parents and siblings don’t have to go through what ours have. I’d like to appeal to the Prime Minister to back MND patients and have confidence in UK Science achieving what may have previously seemed impossible – a cure for MND.”
Currently the UK Government’s funding for targeted MND research stands at less than £5 million a year, which the campaign coalition says is not enough. £50 million from the UK Government over five years would fund a virtual institute for MND Research, providing the infrastructure needed for accelerating treatments for MND.
The funding bid has already been debated in the UK Parliament after a petition to garner public support gathered more than 100,000 signatures in just three weeks. Members of the campaign coalition have met with key politicians to explain the desperate need for the cash, to shore up the investment made by charities and industry.
With the support of MND charities and neurologists, campaigners are now taking the call directly to Downing Street and people living with MND still have the opportunity to add their signature here: patientsunited2endmnd.org.
Dr Suvankar Pal, the Co-Lead Investigator of MND-SMART, the UK’s biggest drug trial for MND, said: “This is an exciting time for MND research with many centres across the UK working on important areas ranging from drug discovery to delivery of treatment trials.
“We fully support this initiative which promotes collaborative working and much needed investment in research with the aim of delivering new treatments for MND in a timely way.”
Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “We are united here today to ensure the voices of those living with MND are heard by the UK Government.
“The average life expectancy for someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. People like Doddie and Euan do not have time to wait, and neither does our search for a cure.
“MND Scotland’s vision is a world without MND. But we are only able to fund the pioneering research taking place at the Euan MacDonald Centre, and other institutes across the UK, because of the generosity of our supporters. MND isn’t incurable, it’s just under-funded. Together, we will beat MND, but we cannot do it without the UK Government’s support.”
To find out more about the campaign visit www.mndscotland.org.uk/united or tweet your support @MNDScotland @MNDAssoc and @MNDoddie5 using #United2EndMND.
MND Scotland will be proudly worn on the front of Hearts’ home shirt for season 2021/22 as part of an innovative two-year sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies.
Following its groundbreaking partnership with Save the Children that saw the charity’s name being sported on the first team shirts over 6 seasons, the Club will now be promoting and supporting the work of MND Scotland in Season 21-22.
The Club and its supporters have undertaken several fundraising activities on behalf of the charity over the past year as a tribute to Club legend and former captain, Marius Zaliukas, who tragically lost his fight to the disease in 2020.
This landmark sponsorship deal will help to raise awareness of the work undertaken by MND charities throughout the UK and support those living with MND in Scotland. Funds raised will also enable pioneering research into MND, such as the projects taking place at the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at University of Edinburgh.
Once again, the Club has sought out an innovative way of securing sponsorship funding whilst providing a platform for a cause that is dear to supporters’ hearts.
In a pioneering approach, Dell Technologies will work with Hearts over the next 2 years on a programme that will transform the Club’s digital estate in the long term. As part of this new partnership, Dell Technologies funded the front of the home shirt on behalf of MND Scotland. Hearts will, in turn, make a contribution to MND Scotland and MND Association for every home shirt sold in the season ahead.
Dell Technologies was a founding partner of the Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre in 2019, providing equipment that has enabled over 700 young people to benefit from free Digital Education. The company’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity was also echoed in the decision to become principal partner and shirt sleeve sponsor of Hearts Women in 2020.
Dell Technologies will also appear on the back of the men’s home shirt when the new season starts.
Commenting on the new partnership, CEO of Hearts, Andrew McKinlay said: “We are delighted to announce this amazing partnership with Dell Technologies and MND Scotland.
“Dell Technologies has been pivotal in supporting pioneering community initiatives run by the Club and our charity, Big Hearts. As a principal partner of Hearts Women, they also helped to fund the initiative to sport the name of Scotland Women in Technology on the women’s shirts. This announcement represents a significant deepening of the relationship between the company and Hearts.
“We have spent the last 4 years enhancing the physical infrastructure of the Club providing some of the most modern facilities in Scottish football. Our sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies will underpin a long-term transformation of the logical infrastructure, modernising our systems and enhancing the experience we provide for supporters.
“Ann Park, Hearts’ Director of Partnerships and Community, has been working over the past few months to develop what is one of the most innovative sponsorship deals in football. Ann was the driving force behind our six-year relationship with Save the Children and has once again delivered a partnership of which we can all be very proud.
“We dedicate this initiative to our former captain Marius Zaliukas and to Robert Wilson, whose work behind the scenes and on the board of the Club helped rescue Hearts from administration.”
Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Interim Chief Executive, said:“We are very excited to be partnering with Heart of Midlothian FC this season. This fantastic opportunity will honour the memory of former captain Marius Žaliūkas who passed away last year after a brave struggle against motor neurone disease.
“Dell Technologies has supported our sister charity, MND Association of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, for 2 years, and we are thrilled to now be working with them to raise funds and awareness here in Scotland.
“We hope this boost will enable us to speak to even more people about our cause, and that the funds donated through sales will help us reach our ultimate goal of finding a cure. Until that day we will continue supporting families affected by MND in Scotland, so they do not have to go through the devastation alone.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the new strips out on the pitch very soon and hope fans will join our movement to end MND.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service technician has organised a charity run from Stirling Castle to Edinburgh Castle to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) after losing his dad to the disease.
Sauchie resident Gregor Miller, based at Glenrothes Station, set up the Castle Crusade run last year and has been in training since October last year (2020).
The run was originally meant to be held on March 28 this year but was postponed because of Covid. It has been rescheduled for May 23, 2021 with safety precautions in place.
Joining the Crusade are Ryan Stevenson (Hearts FC), Colin Cameron (Hearts & Scotland), Simon Ramsden (Motherwell), Tam McManus (Hibernian), Willie Conquer (Referee) and Scott Hastings (Watsonians & Scotland Rugby Union). Gregor is hoping to confirm more sporting legends to join the event.
Gregor is raising money for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland and the Euan Macdonald Centre.
Gregor lost his dad, Campbell Miller, to MND two years ago. MND is a progressive degenerative disease of the motor neurones in the brain and wasting of the muscles which affects people of all ages. Campbell was a police officer, serving the Alloa and Falkirk areas during his time on the force.
Gregor, 49, said: “My inspiration for this event has come from losing my dad to this disease. My dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in May 2017 and passed away in 2019.
“He was a keen sportsman and played football for the police and in later life, until his diagnosis, played golf three times a week. Dad only realised he had a problem when he could no longer grip a golf club. As you could imagine this hit him hard.
“Within a few months he had to retire the clubs, quickly followed by his driving licence. For a man who was never at home due to social events, this was a devastating blow. Living with MND and caring for a sufferer of MND was horrific. Dad was given two years to live and died within two weeks of the two years.”
Gregor said his mum became his dad’s full time carer. He said in the last few months, his dad – who was a police officer for 32yrs in the then Central Scotland force – lost full power of his arms, legs and the ability to hold up his head.
He added: “There were some really tough days at this point as his mind was fully active along with his eyes. I would chat to him and tell him it’s all ok and that mum will be alright.
“He cried but never complained. This was hard to watch from a son’s point of view who only ever knew a dad that tried to win at everything physical.
“In the last month his pain become increasingly worse, he was unable to eat solid food and lost his speech to a difficult whisper. MND had won and with pain relief he slept and died.”
Despite this, Gregor said his dad kept his sense of humour throughout, always had a smile and never asked “why me?”
With current Covid restrictions, unfortunately the public will not be able to take part in the run. At any one time, only four people will be running the route. Two people, Gregor and Ryan Stevenson (Hearts FC) will be running the entire 40 miles while the other two slots will be the sporting legends dipping in and out every 4 miles. They will only do one 4 mile leg.
All participants will complete a lateral flow test before they run and will check temperatures, ensuring there are no signs of Covid.
Gregor has set up a page where people can donate, and people can also visit his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Visit here to find out more or to donate:
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir, has donated an additional £100,000 to MND Scotland and £200,000 to the MND Association of England Wales and Northern Ireland, to support people living with motor neurone disease (MND).
Doddie, who first shared his MND diagnosis in June 2017, has pledged to help others living with the rapidly progressing terminal illness, as well as funding for vital research into finding a cure.
To support families currently affected, the Foundation has committed annnual funding to MND Scotland and the MND Association, since 2018.
The Foundation also made one-off donations to the charities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, taking its total contributions to MND Scotland and the MND Association to £380,000 and £670,000, respectively.
The new funds will be used by both charities to help families across the UK cover some of the financial burden that comes with a diagnosis of MND, through their grant programmes.
These programmes aim to help reduce some of the extra costs that come with living with MND. The grants can be used in various ways, for instance; to help with costs towards home adaptations, such as ramps and stairlifts, for specialist equipment to live life more independently, and for respite activities for carers and families.
Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are delighted to continue and further strengthen our relationships with MND Scotland and MND Association by working with both these charities to support people living with motor neuron disease.
“This commitment, by Doddie and the Foundation, to help patients and their families, is one of our main strategic goals and we look forward to sharing our plans for the future in the coming months.
“Our ability to offer grants to families, through the existing frontline care charities, is only possible through the amazing contribution of our fundraisers and supporters and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us, you inspire us every day!”
Adrian Murphy, MND Scotland’s Chair, said:“I’d like to thank the Foundation for its ongoing support of our grants programme which allows us to provide essential support to the families affected by this devastating disease.
“Since his own diagnosis, Doddie has raised an incredible amount of awareness by sharing his personal journey with MND, and through his Foundation has raised vital funds to support the cause. By continuing to work together we can help make life a little easier for people living with MND right now.”
Sally Light, Chief Executive of the MND Association for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said:“We are really pleased and grateful that Doddie is channelling money raised by his Foundation in the last year into our care grants programme once again, ensuring it goes directly to people affected by MND who desperately need it.
“We have a long-standing and comprehensive programme which we know makes such a difference and support like Doddie’s and that of his Foundation’s supporters is vital to us continuing with that.”
Football supporters dig deep in memory of one of their heroes
Supporters of Falkirk Football Club, and those of other clubs across Scotland, have come together to pay their respects to former player David Hagen who sadly passed away last month after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe unaided.
David Hagen played with Rangers, Hearts, Falkirk, Livingston, Clyde, Peterhead and Bo’ness United.
As part of Falkirk’s regular 50/50 draw, supporters raised £3267 for MND Scotland to support the charity to fund vital research and support services for those affected by MND.
David began his footballing career locally in Falkirk before earning big moves in the senior game to Rangers and Hearts respectively. He joined Falkirk, and was a popular figure among the fans with a notable assist for Paul McGrillen in the 1997 Scottish Cup Semi-Final win against Celtic. David played 173 games for Falkirk over five years before continuing his career with Livingston, Clyde, Peterhead and Bo’ness United.
David’s Former Manager Alex Totten, along with his daughter Rhia Hagen presented a cheque to MND Scotland’s Chief Executive Craig Stockton.
Falkirk FC’s Commercial Director Kieran Koszary said: “The backing shown by Falkirk supporters, and those of other clubs, is a great testament to how highly David was thought of by everyone who knew him.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to pay our respects as his funeral cortege passed the Falkirk Stadium but also to make this donation to MND Scotland. We know the charity will work tirelessly on behalf of people like David and to support others affected by this terrible condition.”
Former Falkirk Manager Alex Totten said: “David fought a courageous fight against MND and will forever be remembered by everyone associated with the club. He was a good friend and a fantastic footballer and he’ll be greatly missed by his family but also by the friends he made along the way in his football career.
“The memories I have of David in the Challenge Cup Final against Queen of the South and his inspired performances in the 1997 run to the Scottish Cup Final will never leave me. He will be sorely missed.”
Accepting a cheque on behalf of the charity, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive Craig Stockton said: “We very grateful for this extremely generous donation and I would like to everyone who helped raise such a fantastic amount.
“Without supporters like this, we would not be able to continue providing essential physical, financial and emotional support to families affected by MND across Scotland, or fund cutting-edge research to find a cure.
“This is a wonderful tribute to David. During times like these, people with MND and their loved ones need us more than ever, so these funds will go towards helping us stay connected to families to ensure no one goes through MND alone.”
