Callum Muir: “Running for Research:

In 2018, Callum Muir’s life took a sharp and unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). “It was life-changing,” he recalls, “but you just carry on as best you can.”

Now 37, Callum is a husband, father of two young children, and still working full-time — balancing the daily demands of life while navigating the reality of a chronic condition. Yet in 2025, something shifted. Feeling mentally and physically stronger thanks to a new treatment regime, Callum decided to do more. He set himself a goal: raise money for the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh.

“I’m now in a place where I feel mentally and physically able to start pushing myself a little bit more,” he explains. “So, I decided this year I was going to try and do a bit to raise some money for the Clinic.”

Discovering the Anne Rowling Clinic

Callum first encountered the Clinic after his diagnosis — not knowing then the unique and powerful role it would play in his care.

“It was the first time I’d seen an MS consultant, and I had no idea about the Clinic or its origins. But as soon as you walk in, it’s such a friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like a hospital.”

That warm and welcoming environment made an impression. More than just a clinic, the Anne Rowling Clinic offers integrated care alongside cutting-edge research — something Callum believes makes a huge difference.

“The idea of it being a research facility twinned with your ordinary clinical care is great. It’s a really good way of getting people involved in things like research — and that’s exactly what happened to me.”

Callum now takes part in the FutureMS study, which tracks people newly diagnosed with MS to better understand how the condition changes over time.

From Diagnosis to 10K: A Turning Point

Motivated to give back, Callum found his first fundraising opportunity close to home — through a beer focused podcast he co-hosts which involved having a local brewery, Stewart Brewing in Loanhead as guests where the brewery was hosting a 10K trail hop run set up by ‘Durty Events’.

Callum, never one to shy away from a challenge, decided to take it on.

“It sounded interesting, and I thought, ‘You know what, let’s go for it.’ I entered myself, told the podcast guys, and they jumped in with me. So, the four of us ended up doing it together.”

Training for the run wasn’t easy — especially after years of fluctuating health and motivation. But Callum persevered, and in June 2025, he crossed the finish line. Alongside his team, he raised over £1,600 through his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/teambeerfridge.

“It may not seem like a lot to the outside eye, but to us, it was unbelievable. We were really chuffed.”

The support didn’t stop with friends and family. Thanks to the podcast, the fundraising effort reached breweries, local businesses, and a wider community who rallied behind the cause. The event itself, though primarily supporting a different charity, kindly allowed Callum to raise funds separately for the Anne Rowling Clinic — a gesture he deeply appreciated.

From Quiz Nights to Quiet Determination

Not long after the 10K, Callum found another opportunity — this time at his local bowling club, where his father is club president. At a community quiz night, Callum “hijacked” the event to raise even more funds for the Clinic!

“We didn’t charge any entry. We just asked people to be as generous as they could,” he says. With 14 teams, a raffle, and a lot of good spirit, the evening brought in another £550.

All told, Callum raised over £2,000 for the Clinic this year — and he’s not stopping there.

Looking Ahead

Fresh off a much-needed family holiday abroad — their first in years — Callum says he’s feeling more focused than ever. And the running? That’s staying too.

“I’ve kind of got the bug a little bit. I’m hoping to keep going, maybe do some more fundraising runs, if not later this year, then definitely next year. Maybe even increase the distance, if I can manage it.”

For Callum, it’s about more than just fitness or fundraising — it’s about turning a difficult diagnosis into a sense of purpose.

“When I’ve got a reason — something to raise money for, something to work toward — I just feel in a much better place. It gives me a purpose.”

And that sense of purpose is already inspiring others. Callum proudly shared that his niece recently raised money for charity with her own 5K swim — motivated, in part, by his efforts.

Support Callum’s Mission

Every pound raised goes directly toward supporting the Anne Rowling Clinic’s pioneering work in MS care and research. Callum’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with determination, community support, and the right care behind you.

Want to get involved?
Learn more about the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic and how you can support their life-changing work at www.annerowlingclinic.org.