Father-in-law of Aberdeen Dad with MND set to run 50km Speyside Way
Paul Craig, 62, says his son-in-law's diagnosis was 'devastating'
The father-in-law of an Aberdeen Dad who has been recently diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is preparing to put his 62-year-old body through a 50km Ultramarathon.
Mark Ferguson, 43, was told he had the condition on January 5th this year, news that shocked his family.
A father-of-four, Mark hadn't been feeling well for a number of months according to his father-in-law Paul Craig.
"It was such a shock for all the family, but in particular for Mark. He's only a young man, he's only 43. It's devastating.
'Heartbreaking' year
"The first few months absolutely took everybody's breath away. Mark's children are 11, five and just coming up to three," said Paul.
"The two young ones aren't really too aware but they ask why dad is walking a bit funny, or why dad can't come out to play, which is a bit heartbreaking. But his oldest son, Milo, has been absolutely fantastic.
"The consultant very clinically laid out what the future holds for somebody with MND. It's very bleak.
"There is medication you can take that can help assist and slow down the progress of this terrible illness, but at the moment there's not much hope on the horizon."
Finding a cure
Paul is taking on the Speyside Way Ultramarathon on Saturday on what will be Mark's 44th birthday.
"MND Scotland is the only charity providing care and support to people affected by MND, as well as funding research, that'll maybe get us a bit closer to that cure.
"We want a world that's free of MND. I'm fundraising because I want to help find a cure for this devastating illness.
"I'm a keen runner, plodder, I'm underwhelmingly slow.
"The race starts at 9AM on Saturday morning and I hope to finish by Saturday!
"It'll be a tough run for me, it's uncomfortable I'm a bit apprehensive about doing it. But it's nothing compared to what people with MND face on a daily basis.
"The challenges they face, to see it first hand, it's really important we raise awareness of this terrible condition and we get as many people involved as we can and raise as much funds as we can."
You can donate to Paul's JustGiving page here.