Connor Whitelaw will walk the West Highland Way to honor his aunt Gwen, who died from MND, and raise money for MND Scotland.
Gwen died from motor neurone disease (MND). She and her husband owned a pub in Caithness for many years. Connor wants to raise awareness and help other families affected by this condition. The walk is 96 miles long, going from Milngavie to Fort William.
Connor, 23, is from Kirkintilloch. He wanted to do something for charity. Raising awareness about MND is important to him. He wants to find a cure and support those affected by MND. The disease affects many in Scotland. It robs people of basic abilities, like walking and talking.
MND makes it hard to swallow and breathe. Life expectancy post-diagnosis is short, about 18 months on average. Sadly, there is no cure for MND, nor are there any useful treatments now. Connor said seeing his aunt struggle hurt, adding that the disease takes away who a person is.
Close friends called Gwen “Gwendolyn.” She grew up in Glasgow’s Castlemilk area. Gwen worked as an emergency call handler. She met her husband, Stuart Ferguson, then. They had four children and two grandkids and settled in Thurso town, where they owned the Bower Inn pub.
Connor remembers Gwen’s laugh, how it would fill up the entire room. She did impressions of Dawn French and Les Dawson. Gwen loved reggae and rock music. She also taught herself Arabic during the 70s. She always had a smile and made everyone laugh. When Connor visited, she gave him a hug and offered him apple juice, his favorite drink. His aunt Gwen grounded him once when he arrived late at her house, teaching him a quick lesson.
Gwen’s sister, Pauline, is Connor’s mom. She noticed changes in Gwen’s speech and suggested she see a doctor. The tests showed Gwen had MND. Connor visited his aunt after the diagnosis while she was visiting her 96-year-old dad. It was very upsetting for both of them, as they knew they wouldn’t see each other again.
Connor noticed slurred speech and that she was choking a lot. He was truly shocked by this and understood the illness and how serious it was. Connor will walk the West Highland Way on April 15, joined by Jude Welsh, Jack Johnston, and Wojciech Rduch. Proceeds will go to the MND Scotland organization.
Connor started a JustGiving page and has raised £750 so far. He said each step honors lives touched by MND, those who fought the condition, and the families left behind. He believes his aunt will be with him. MND Scotland supports research for MND and provides care and support.