A UK Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charity founder is set to take on a bucket list Scottish endurance challenge this month.
Alex Gibson MBE, founder of Challenging MND, will canoe 92km along the Great Glen Canoe Trail over five days while raising money to support families affected by the disease.
It is his 21st endurance challenge since being diagnosed with MND in 2018, and it is something he has long wanted to take on.
“Being diagnosed with MND shouldn’t mean you lose all those hopes and dreams you had pre-diagnosis,” he said.
“The things we envision for ourselves are so incredibly personal, and to feel as though you have to let go of that part of yourself hurts. It’s a heartbreak MND warriors face across the country.”
Mr Gibson continued: “But I want to show that it doesn’t all end when you receive that diagnosis. Instead, I’ve been able to complete 20 enduring challenges, with my 21st being something I have long wanted to take on. We can go further than we think.”
Starting on Saturday, Mr Gibson and a team of six others will spend five days on the water, wild camping along the route each night as they travel through the Scottish landscape.
Supported by adventure specialists In Your Element, the expedition has been adapted to make it accessible despite the progression of Alex’s condition.
Since his diagnosis, Mr Gibson has raised more than £1.2 million through his fundraising efforts. He hopes this latest challenge will raise a further £10,000 to £15,000 to support families affected by MND.
Mr Gibson is also aiming to raise awareness of the disease and inspire others living with the condition.