Friday June 14th 2024
From left to right: Emma, Eilish, Geoff, Bradan, Helen and John Cowan.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Rachel Bowen
Last Saturday Bradan and Eilish Cowan completed their charity fundraiser for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The foundation supports those suffering from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and funds research for the currently incurable disease
Bradan, 12, walked a marathon (26.2 miles) whilst sister Eilish, 9, cycled the same distance.
The siblings came up with the fundraiser idea themselves and were determined to complete it even if it meant intensive training on top of their school and extracurricular activities. They wanted to raise money for MND after witnessing their Aunty Tracy quickly deteriorate after her diagnosis in 2023, she has lost the ability to walk, move her arms, speak and feed herself.
Bradan had an early start with his mum as they set off at 6:30am. Later in the day Eilish and her Dad started their marathon cycle.
Twelve hours later they reached the Justinlees pub in Dalkeith where family, friends and the local community stood with banners ready to congratulate them as they were piped across the finish line.
Eilish and Bradan’s dad Geoff and brother to Tracy thanked everyone for the ‘eternal support’ explaining that the support from the beginning to end was amazing and that they were incredibly grateful to everyone.
Tracy had hoped to attend but unfortunately due to her health was unable to. Geoff said
‘We are here to celebrate, because that was Tracy’s wish, she would have loved to have been here’
They raised an enormous amount bypassing their goal of £5,000 by over £2,600. They hope the amount continues to rise over the next few days.
Geoff explained that all the money raised would go towards Doddies Houses. These are houses equipped to suit the requirements of MND sufferers, allowing both the carer and patient to take a break from the harsh reality of life. This quality time together is significant as MND currently has no cure.
Geoff went on to say ‘there’s no place like it,’ expressing hope that Tracy could spend some much needed respite in one of the houses in Dirleton, East Lothian. This would allow the family to spend vital time with Tracy.
An emotional Geoff expressed gratitude for the abundance of support saying ‘we are going to need this more as the months go on.’
MND is a life threatening disease with no cure. To help Bradan and Eilish raise even more in aid of their Auntie Tracy click Here.
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