Megan Campbell: Running for Euan

When Megan Campbell, a third-year student at the University of Aberdeen, crossed the finish line of the Six Lakes Marathon, she wasn’t just completing 26.2 miles — she was honoring a lifelong friendship and helping raise vital funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research.

For Megan, running has always been part of life. “I grew up in East Lothian and have always been quite sporty,” she says. “At school I did lots of sports, and at university I’ve kept it up — I’m captain of the lacrosse team at Aberdeen, so sport’s always been a big part of who I am.”

But when Megan and her dad decided to take on a marathon together, it became more than just another sporting challenge. “We’d always joked that it would be cool to run a marathon when I was 20 and he was 50,” she explains. “It was one of those ideas you talk about for years, and suddenly the time came when we actually had to do it! So, we signed up and started training.”

They chose the 6 Lakes Marathon in Sweden for their first marathon together — a decision Megan looks back on fondly. “It was such a beautiful course, but so tough. I think we both regretted that choice when we were halfway through! But it was amazing to experience it together, and we kept each other going.”

Turning loss into purpose

The idea of running for charity was always part of their plan, but the cause became deeply personal.

“We’d started talking about fundraising about a year before the marathon,” Megan says. “Around that time, Euan passed away. My dad and Euan went to school together — they were best friends. I’d grown up with Euan and his family — Finlay, Alec and Liz — they’re amazing people and such close family friends.”

Losing Euan, she says, gave their marathon an even greater sense of purpose. “We were always planning to raise money for the Euan MacDonald Centre because it’s such a meaningful cause for our family. But with Euan’s passing, it just felt right to do it in his memory.”

Megan set up a JustGiving page and shared it with friends and family. “I put it on Instagram, and my dad shared it with his friends and colleagues. I think his friends probably made more of an impact on the total than my uni friends did,” she laughs, “but everyone chipped in where they could. It was lovely to see so much support.”

Their joint effort raised an amazing total for MND research — a tribute not only to their endurance but to the friendship that inspired them.

Remembering Euan

Megan’s admiration for Euan shines through in how she speaks about him. “He was such a champion,” she says warmly. “Even till the very end, he was so funny and engaging. He had amazing technology that allowed him to keep communicating — and he still had that same sense of humour.”

Her dad visited Euan regularly during his illness. “My dad would go over most weeks,” Megan remembers. “They’d sit and talk and joke — it was incredible how Euan kept that energy and spirit. It’s something that’s always stayed with me.”

That spirit is what drives Megan to want her fundraising to make a difference. “It’s such a devastating disease,” she says. “It takes away so much from people who live with it, and it’s so difficult for their families. So, I just want the money to go towards anything that helps improve quality of life for people with MND — and, ultimately, towards finding a cure.”

She adds, “I have full trust in everyone at the Euan MacDonald Centre. They work so hard, and they’ll know where the funds can make the most impact. Whether that’s in research or treatment, I know it’ll be used in the best way possible.”

Megan hasn’t ruled out future challenges. “I think I might try a half marathon next year,” she says. “I’d love to get my lacrosse team involved and maybe raise money together for the Centre. I’ve not got them all on board yet — but as captain, I’m working on it!”

A lasting impact

For Megan, running the marathon in memory of Euan was about more than completing a race. It was about honouring a friend, supporting a family, and contributing to a cause that’s close to her heart.

“It was just such a lovely thing to do with my dad,” she reflects. “And to do it for Euan — it made it even more special.”

Her story is a reminder of how personal connections can drive powerful acts of generosity. From long training runs in the cold Scottish winter to the scenic but grueling course in the Six Lakes Marathon, every step Megan and her dad took was a step toward better treatments for MND.

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Every donation helps fund pioneering research at the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for people living with MND.

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