David Story

David Story

David is once again taking on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, not for the acclaim or medals, but to honour a remarkable man in EuanvMacDonald and support the fight against MND.

Why did you decide to fundraise?

After 16 years at the University of Edinburgh, David Story is more than just a successful lab manager—he’s a deeply committed member of the Euan MacDonald Centre community. This year, David is once again taking on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, not for the acclaim or medals, but to honour a remarkable man in Euan MacDonald and support the fight against motor neuron disease (MND). His journey is one of connection, dedication, and heartfelt purpose.

David's connection to the Euan MacDonald Centre runs deep. Having joined the University in 2009 from the University of Cambridge to help establish a new lab, he quickly became embedded in the growing research group. Over the years, the team has expanded, but one thing has remained constant—David’s respect and admiration for Euan MacDonald.It’s this personal connection that continues to drive David. “[Euan] puts everything into perspective,” he says. “No matter how bad my day was, his day was always going to be 10 times worse, and he never complained.” For David, running is a small gesture in light of the challenges faced by those living with MND. “It’s the least we can do to honour Euan’s memory and the impact his work had on the MND community.”

How did you raise the money?

David’s fundraising journey began in 2013, when he first took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Over the years, he’s collected six medals, building momentum and support before the COVID-19 pandemic put things on pause. Now, he's back, teaming up with James Cooper, Paul Baxter, and Sophie Hawkins for the relay event.

Although running doesn’t come naturally to him—David jokes, “I might prefer to go swimming and sit in the sauna”—he’s committed to training and participating. He’s already completed several park runs and remains focused on the goal, not the finish time. “I don’t think Mo Farah’s has anything to worry about with me,” he laughs.

Fundraising wisdom:

For David, fundraising is all about perspective and heart. “Running for what, an hour every year to get round five or six miles? It’s nothing compared to living with MND.” His humility and sense of purpose make his efforts truly impactful.

His mission is a reminder that meaningful fundraising doesn’t require elite athleticism—it requires empathy, community, and commitment. Every step David takes is a tribute to Euan, the MacDonald family, and the ongoing mission of the Centre. It’s a legacy he’s proud to uphold.Support David’s team and donate today on their JustGiving Campaign Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/emc-hairyhaggis