Running for MND Research Amy Stenson, pictured far left with her team. Why did you decide to fundraise?Amy Stenson, a dedicated researcher working on the pioneering MND-SMART trial, has turned her passion for running into a way to raise funds and awareness for the Euan MacDonald Centre. As part of a relay team for the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon, Amy is determined to make a difference in the fight against MND while embodying the spirit and legacy of the late Euan MacDonald, who was an unwavering advocate for MND research.Amy's commitment to MND research runs deep, as she has been working on the MND-SMART trial since 2020. This trial, which aims to find effective treatments for MND, has been transformative not only in its approach to clinical research but also in creating a close-knit, passionate team of researchers and professionals.When asked about her decision to fundraise, Amy shared how closely her work and personal interests are tied to the cause. She explained, “We’re heavily dependent on charities. The MND trials are long-term initiatives, and we rely on events like this to help fund the essential research. It’s really nice to see the efforts that go into the fundraising and to be on the other side of it now, participating in something so impactful.”Amy has also been inspired by the legacy of Euan MacDonald himself. “His vitality and his advocacy for MND research… I think it’s important that we embody that in what we’re doing, both inside and outside of work.” How did you raise the money?Amy and her colleagues working on the MND-SMART trial decided to form a team for the Edinburgh Marathon relay, with participants drawn from different parts of the trial’s management team. The team is made up of several individuals, including Amy herself, alongside colleagues Amarachi Ihenacho, Deborah Forbes, and Paolo Cucurachi. Together, they have committed to running the marathon relay, with Amy taking the final leg, which is a 7K stretch of the course.When asked how they are raising funds, Amy explained that they first reached out to their colleagues involved in the MND-SMART trial to gauge interest in participating. “We put out a feeler across all the different parts of the collaboration to see who would be interested in joining the team.”The fundraising effort is not Amy’s first. She has participated in running events for charity before, including a previous Edinburgh Marathon relay two years ago, and is due to take part in the full Brighton Marathon this year. This experience, coupled with her love for running, makes fundraising both a personal and professional endeavour. “I really enjoy sporting events,” she said. “Running is my area. I enjoy it, so hopefully it won’t be too much of a chore!” Fundraising wisdom: As someone who has worked closely on the MND-SMART trial and seen first hand the resources required to carry out such extensive research, Amy offers insightful advice for those considering donating to this cause. “Working on the trial, I’ve come to realise how much effort, teamwork, and resources are involved. There are many steps and people behind the scenes, from the researchers to the nurses and even the courier costs to deliver medications. Every element of the process has a value.”She highlighted how the money raised from events like the Edinburgh Marathon relay directly supports critical components of the research, which can sometimes be underappreciated. "We’re not funded by large pharmaceutical companies or the government, so we rely on charitable donations to fund our work," Amy shared. "Every donation, no matter how small, is essential. It helps reduce costs and makes research possible."For those thinking of donating, Amy’s message is clear: "It’s important to understand how valuable your donations are, not just for the research itself but for the individuals who are directly affected by MND. The goodwill and contributions from the community make all of this possible."Amy’s insight and passion for the cause are evident, and her work with the MND-SMART trial, combined with her participation in fundraising events, make her an inspiring advocate for MND research. As she and her team lace up their shoes for the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2025, they’ll be running to support the continuing breakthroughs in MND research.To support Amy and her team please visit their JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/emf4emc2025. Thank you! Publication date 20 May, 2025
