Ayr woman to run marathon for dad who died from MND
29-year old Laura Jamieson from Ayr, is set to run the London Marathon, in memory of her dad who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
29-year old Laura Jamieson from Ayr, is set to run the London Marathon, in memory of her dad who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
David Prest, who lived in Dumfries, passed away from MND in 2012 when he was 62 years old. MND is a terminal illness which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, eat, speak and breathe unaided.
Laura, who is mum to Duncan (10), Iona (7) and Coira (5), said, “My dad started experiencing symptoms in 2007 but it was a few years after this when he got an official diagnosis. He worked as a driver for TNT and as his legs were affected first, he eventually had to give up his job.
“It was really hard for the whole family to watch him deteriorate and see how bad it must have been for him. That’s why I want to do something positive to give back and help find a cure for this cruel disease.”
Laura will be heading down to London to take part in the 26.2 mile run on 24 April, where she will be representing MND Scotland.
She said, “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the London Marathon. A few people have told me the atmosphere is amazing and I can’t wait to experience that.
“I started running in 2012 when my dad passed away, to raise money for MND Scotland, a charity very close to my heart. I started with a few 10kms and have worked my way up to a full marathon. I did two marathons last year, just seven weeks apart, which was really tough.
“It’s been hard finding the time to train between work, the kids and getting ready to move house. But I think I have done enough to finish the race and I don’t have a target time in mind.
“In my head I had originally hoped I’d raise £1,000 for MND Scotland, which I’ve already exceeded and have now reached over £1,200. You can still donate at www.justgiving.com/Laura-Jamieson8 and I would appreciate any contribution people can make to this amazing charity.”
Lisa Glenday, Community and Events Fundraiser at MND Scotland, said, “We want to wish Laura the best of luck on Sunday and thank her for choosing to support us. She’s already smashed her fundraising target and we are sure she’ll smash the race too!
“The money Laura raises could provide a year’s worth of support groups in Ayrshire, for people affected by MND and their families. The next support group will be on Wednesday 11 May at Gailes Hotel in Irvine. If you would like to attend or find out more please email dawn.hamilton@mndscotland.org.uk.
“We also offer a variety of other services across Scotland, including counselling, a loan of communications equipment, benefits advice and complementary therapy. To find out how we can help you, or how you can support us, please visit www.mndscotland.org.uk.”