Tag: MND Scotland

Hearts unveil MND Scotland as new shirt front partner

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.”

Castle Crusade: Sporting legends support MND fundraising run

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:

 https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=CastleCrusadeRun&pageUrl=3

Doddie digs deep for families living with MND

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.” 

For more information visit: 

www.mndscotland.org.uk, www.mndassociation.org and www.myname5doddie.co.uk.  

Football fans raise funds in memory of former player David Hagen

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.”

Gran with MND speaks out about life in lockdown

Greta Auld (73), from Pencaitland near Edinburgh, was diagnosed with MND in March 2019. Now she’s sharing her experience of MND and life in lockdown to help raise awareness of the terminal illness.

The retired police secretary, and grandmother of five, has always been a constant pillar of the community. A widow with two children at the age of just 29 years-old, Greta was forced to be fiercely independent her whole life.

While wanting to keep her independence for as long as possible, family members and local village friends have stepped up to support her when needed. Since her diagnosis of MND, Greta has kept a positive outlook and cannot wait for ‘shielding’ restrictions to lift so she can get back out in the community and live life to the fullest.

Greta said, “Before lockdown I was going out about four times a week. I have a wee electric scooter, but I haven’t been out on it for months! I was still driving my grandkids to their swimming and doing wheelchair bowling at the local women’s club, where I am also the secretary.

“I helped run the Scouts for over 20 years and was involved in a local lunch club for older people – although now the 85-year-olds help me off the bus,” she joked.

“I’ve always been heavily involved in the community and have loads of friends through this. So not being able to get out of the house these past few months has been hard. It’s difficult not getting to see the grandkids as much but they are getting down to visit me now. I just can’t wait to get around the village again and see what’s been going on the past three months.”

Greta added, “Thank goodness for my wee westie Maisie, she has been such great company during the last few years. As I became more disabled and not able to take her on walks, a really good friend now takes her every morning during the week, and a neighbour’s daughters take her at weekends.

“I am so lucky to live in a village and be well supported by everyone. She is such a friendly wee dog; she loves everyone and all my carers spoil her.”

Greta has also found MND Scotland’s Video Support Group particularly helpful, enabling her to stay connected to others affected by MND during the pandemic.

“When they were running, I went to the MND Scotland Support Group in Edinburgh. I loved it. That’s just the kind of person I am. I want to get involved and meet people – that helps me. I know other people don’t want to go to things like that, but I’ve found it very helpful going to meetings. It affects us all differently and yet the same.

“We’ve moved online to a video call every week. They are so good and very informative. Everyone is really upbeat which makes a difference. We’re a happy crowd – we’re not sitting in doom and gloom. All you can do is keep a good attitude and try to stay as positive as you can.”

Diagnosed with MND in 2019, Greta was initially thought to have had a silent stroke, first realising something was wrong in early 2017.

“I noticed the left-hand side of my body was getting really weak. I remember visiting my friend in Canada and was in her swimming pool, but I ended up just swimming in circles because my left leg wouldn’t work! I looked awful silly, but you have to laugh at these things as well.

“I then had a number of trips and falls so decided to go and get checked out. My family were very shocked when we were told it had been a stroke. However, as time went on, my symptoms were getting worse instead of better, so I went back and was referred to a neurologist.

“I wasn’t all that surprised to be honest. My hands had been shaking for a long time so I thought it might be Parkinson’s or something similar, but my family were absolutely gutted when I told them. They had just gotten their heads around it being a stroke and were now being told it was MND, which was an even bigger shock to them.

“I was quite upbeat when I told my children, George and his wife Susan, and Lynda and her husband Derek.  It took a while for it all to sink in. I think my daughter in particular found it really tough. She was just devastated. I think it must be difficult for them to see their parent going through this.

“It’s only now that it’s really sinking in for me, as things start becoming more and more difficult. I’m getting slower and weaker but the way I see it you just have to battle on and keep going. I try to be as positive as I can and see the fun in life wherever I can.” 

Since the beginning of lockdown Greta has noticed a change in her symptoms, but is continuing to get the support she needs: “Staying indoors definitely hasn’t helped my mobility. I have noticed my symptoms progressing. I used to get massage therapy and physiotherapy until they stopped because of coronavirus.

“I think that’s slowed me up too. I’m just not getting the same amount of exercise. Even going down the steps at my front door was good movement which I can’t myself anymore, so we are trying to get something sorted to help me get down more easily, like a ramp.

“I currently need help to get out of the house, so it would make a big difference to be able to get down the steps by myself. My world would open up again. I’ve been in this house for 50 years and I don’t want to have to move – this is where my family memories are.

“As I’m on the government’s shielding list I’ve been getting good support and am using the online shopping delivery slots which has been a huge help. I’m very lucky. I’m used to being independent so even though friends and family help a lot I don’t want to bother too many people.

“I now have a cleaner and a gardener, and I have carers coming in in the morning, at teatime and in the evening – I can always have a good laugh with my carers as they are from the local village too. The most important thing for me is trying to keep my independence for as long as possible.”

Craig Stockton, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, “I’d like to thank Greta for bravely sharing her story, especially during these uncertain times.

“For people living with MND, time with loved ones is precious. Social-isolation measures, while essential, have placed huge restrictions on the care and support many rely on every single day. Even basic companionship, like having a friend or loved one pop round to say hello.

“That’s why we launched our new services hub, to help us stay connected to families in Scotland, so no one has to go through MND alone. ‘MND Scotland Connected’ at its core provides one-to-one phone support, video support groups and emergency financial grants.

“People with MND need us more than ever, so if you’d like to help support people affected by MND you can donate here www.mndscotland.org.uk/emergency-appeal.”

Leonardo staff engineer super support for MND Scotland

Employees at aerospace giant Leonardo at Crewe Toll handed over a cheque for over £21,000 to their outgoing nominated charity MND Scotland recently, marking the culmination of two years of fundraising for them. Continue reading Leonardo staff engineer super support for MND Scotland