FASIC Doctor wins Prime Minister’s Award

Extreme runner, doctor and FASIC member of staff Andrew Murray has received a Point of Light Award, a prestigious accolade from the Prime Minister.

Dr Murray received the volunteering award on St Andrews’ Day to celebrate his fundraising achievements; he has raised over £170,000 for the Scottish Association of Mental Health, the African Palliative Care Association UK and Yamaa Trust.

 Murray accomplished this by participating in gruelling challenges, including seven ultramarathons on seven continents in seven days, running from John O’ Groats to the Sahara Desert and the Genghis Khan Ice Marathon in Outer Mongolia.

His work has also raised the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Dr Murray works at FASIC, our specialist Sport & Exercise medicine centre.

Your remarkable running challenges are raising funds for three important charities, but also inspiring countless people to become more active and improve their health.

To be honest running around in deserts and cold places, and having the opportunity to work with communities in projects in places like Outer Mongolia, Kenya, Namibia and back home are all great fun. I'd totally encourage people to explore, try new things and also to volunteer- it’s given me some of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. Volunteering and supporting the likes of the Scottish Association for Mental Health, the Yamaa Trust, the African Palliative Care Association and Ramblers Scotland has given me far more than I've given back.

I'm also passionate about promoting physical activity for health. The reason for this is that as a GP and as a father regular physical activity is the single best present we can give our patients, and our children- offering 7 years of extra life, better health, and increasing happiness. It's a great honour to be recognised by Points of Light, and the Prime Minister.