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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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£100k target for MND cyclist hero Calum

This news post is over 8 years old
 

Dad of three ​Calum Ferguson was given a devastating MND diagnosis in 2010 - but he's chosen not to give in easily.

Dunblane man Calum Ferguson has gone above and beyond for others with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), raising money for vital equipment.

In 2010, Calum was diagnosed with MND – a terminal illness, which causes increasing muscle weakness, which as a husband and father of three, was a devastating piece of news.

However, he chose not to give in easily to the disease.

Through cycling, Calum has been raising funds and awareness for MND Scotland since January 2015, reaching his fundraising target of £60,000 in just nine months.

He intends to keep on cycling and has set a new fundraising target of £100,000.

His determination has been inspiring and I have no doubt he will reach his next target of £100,000

Calum decided on cycling as his fundraising challenge, using a specialist rehab cycling machine and has now cycled an incredible 1800 kilometres.

He said: “As an MND sufferer diagnosed over 5 years ago, my achievement shows that a lot more than you think can be done to help improve the lives of people with MND, many of whom are being written off by the medical profession unnecessarily early. I'd like to share my experience in the hope of helping, and giving hope, to others.”

Calum has purchased much of his specialist equipment himself and is passionate that others with the illness should be able to benefit in a similar way.

All of the money Calum has raised will be used to buy specialist equipment which MND Scotland will loan to people with MND.

Calum was recently visited in his home by health secretary Shona Robison, to discuss the challenges he has faced as an MND patient and his ideas for developing care for people with MND.

Shona Robison MSP said:

“I’d like to thank Calum for inviting me to his home to discuss his ideas on MND care, and to hear about his inspirational fund-raising work. It is always valuable to meet someone who has a direct experience of services. We discussed a number of important issues about health and care for people with MND and I will keep in touch with Calum and MND Scotland about how these develop.”

Last month Calum jointly received the MND Scotland John Macleod Award, an annual award presented by MND Scotland to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the MND community in Scotland.

Craig Stockton, chief executive at MND Scotland said: “Considering the funds and awareness Calum has generated for MND Scotland this year, he was an obvious choice as joint winner of our John Macleod award. It was an honour to personally present this award to him.

“His determination has been inspiring and I have no doubt he will reach his next target of £100,000.”

To support Calum, click here. He will be updating his distance cycled regularly. Text donations can be received through JustTextGiving by texting CALC51 £10 to 70070.