David Brook

David Brook has never been one to back down from a challenge. From transforming his lifestyle to completing multiple fundraising activities, he has proven time and again that determination can push the limits of what is possible. Now, as he prepares to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon once again, David is focused on more than just personal achievement—he’s running to raise funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre for motor neuron disease (MND) Research. 

A Journey of Determination

David’s journey to becoming a marathon runner started in an unexpected way. Nearly two decades ago, he was, in his own words, “living a wild old life.” A casual remark whilst out socialising with friends about wanting to run a marathon led to a wake-up call from a determined friend, an ex-army officer who took him at his word and offered to train him.

“He said, ‘Right, if you really want to do it, we've got nine months. I will get you marathon fit,’” David recalls. Nine months later, he completed his first Edinburgh Marathon in just under five hours, marking the start of a newfound passion for running.

Since then, he has participated in multiple events, including four team relays and two previous half marathons. This year’s Edinburgh Half Marathon will be his third, and he has set himself an ambitious target: “I've never walked in any run that I've ever done. I've always run start to finish,” he says. “So my first target is to make sure I don't walk, and my second target is to try and break two hours.”

Running for a Cause

David’s motivation for supporting MND research is deeply personal. His grandfather, Arthur Brook, passed away from motor neuron disease, a devastating illness that robs individuals of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe.

“The only memory I have of him was when I was about 8 years old,” David shares. “He couldn’t move, could barely swallow, couldn’t talk, and he was crying as I was leaving because he knew, even though I didn’t, that he was never going to see me again.” This experience has stayed with him and fuels his commitment to making a difference.

Over the years, David has taken on various fundraising challenges for MND research, including abseiling off buildings to raise awareness and funds. This year, he hopes to surpass his initial goal of £1,000 for the Euan MacDonald Centre. “I’ve put a £1,000 target, but mentally, I’m hoping to get to as much as possible,” he says.

The Road to Race Day

Training for the half marathon has not been without its obstacles. Now 56, David is determined to stay fit and beat the odds stacked against him—especially since many in his family have suffered from heart conditions in their 50s.

As of last week, he was running 11K comfortably, but injuries have temporarily halted his training. Despite Achilles issues and a pulled thigh muscle, he remains confident that he will return to full strength in time for race day. “If we'd had this conversation a week ago, I was well on target,” he says. “Now I’m just resting, but I’ll get back to it.” “I tend to go for my targets,” David adds. “And this is a target that I’ve set. I will run through pain and run through everything, but I won’t walk.  I know that every step I take in the Edinburgh Half Marathon is a step closer to a world without MND.”

How You Can Help

David’s passion for this cause is inspiring, and now he is calling on supporters to help him make a difference. Donations, no matter the size, will contribute to ground breaking research that could lead to better treatments—and one day, a cure—for motor neuron disease.

If you’d like to support David and the Euan MacDonald Centre, please consider making a donation through his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/page/david-brook-3

Join David in his mission. Donate today and be part of the fight against motor neuron disease.