Laura Weir

Laura Weir swam 10km down a river in memory of her mum.

Why did you decide to fundraise for your chosen cause?

The Euan MacDonald Centre are doing some fantastic collaborative work in motor neurone disease research, as well as running clinics and providing support to families affected by motor neurone disease, having a direct positive impact for patients.

This is close to my heart as my mum Catherine Taylor was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2006 and unfortunately died in 2008.  My mum was an incredible inspirational lady who would have been baffled as to why anyone would want to swim 10km down a river but delighted it raised money for such a good cause!

How did you raise money?

I took part in the Dart 10km swim – an open water swim event held annually in Devon.  It took me 2 hours 52 minutes to complete – a time that I was pleased with as to be honest I was just glad I managed to complete the distance!

I haven't really swum much since school but I started training 3 or 4 month before the event, getting to the pool as often as two small children would allow, and supported by my husband enabling me to get to some eye wateringly early swims!  The training was more challenging than the event in many ways!

Fundraising wisdom

Don't underestimate the generosity of others – I received fantastic support and friends and acquaintances were incredibly generous.

Having sponsorship motivated me to actually get in the water when I really wasn't confident I could complete the swim – and I surprised myself with what I could do!

Related Links

Learn more about the Euan MacDonald Centre.