5km run fund to go to St Andrews research

Donald Grewar, Dr Gareth Miles and Brynja Duthie ahead of the 5km fun run in St Andrews on September 4.

With less than a month to go until the second 5km fun run in the name of Madras College teacher Donald Grewar and motor neurone disease, organisers are calling on the community to sign up and support the cause on September 4.

Set up in 2015 by Madras pupil, Brynja Duthie to support the shock diagnosis of teacher Donald ‘Mr G’ Grewar with MND, the event garnered a huge response and helped to raise an amount of money to support his care and also research conducted by the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

And this year the money raised from Mr G’s Fun Run will stay in St Andrews and be donated to research being conducted by Dr Gareth Miles and his team at the University of St Andrews.

Brynja, the brains behind the intial run in 2015 is urging people to get involved. She said: “Last year was an amazing day and we really hope we can recreate it again.

“The run is 1km for under 11s and 5km for 11 and over. It’s a great course and very flat. If you aren’t sure about running it you can jog or walk, rest assured you’ll receive a huge round of applause so come along and join in the fun. Mr G and I look forward to seeing you. Please persuade your friends, family, colleagues to sign up and come along on the day, you will be making a difference.”

Stephen Stewart from the University of St Andrews offered Brynja the opportunity to hold the race annually following the success of the first event and she has been helped this year by Frank McLaren of Fife Athletics Club.

Gordon Aikman an inspirational campaigner from Kirkcaldy who has been raising money for research into a cure for MND was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at only 29 years old. He explained: “Motor Neurone Disease (or MND) is a progressive and debilitating disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It leads to weakness and muscle wasting and will affect how I walk, talk, eat and breathe. There is no cure.”

Brynja added: “Gordon like, Mr G, is an inspiration to me and this is why I am trying so hard to raise awareness and money for research being conducted at the University of St Andrews.

“The run is an important day for so many reasons.

“It will not only show Mr G just how much we all care and want to continue to support him but will also raise a lot funds, awareness and be another great fun day for the whole community.”

The run will take place at the University of St Andrews playing fields beside the Cricket Pavillion at 11am. To enter the race visit, www.entrycentral.com/MRGSMNDFUNRUN.

Or to donate visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MrGsMNDFunRun.