Paul Patras

Dr Paul Patras completed the 24 mile Mighty Stride to raise money in aid of the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

Why did you decide to fundraise for your chosen cause?

In the UK approximately 100 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) each week. I am among these people.

MS treatment has come a long way over the last decade, but what causes this autoimmune condition remains unclear and a cure does not exist yet. Researchers, doctors, and nurses at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic are conducting cutting edge research and provide some of the best clinical care to improve the lives of people living with MS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past 6 years, they have also been looking after me well.

With the 24-mile Mighty Stride, my aim was to increase awareness about MS and raise funds that can further support the research at the Anne Rowling Clinic.

How did you raise money?

I chose to do the 24-mile Kiltwalk - as I have never walked so much non-stop in a single day and was expecting this to be a substantial effort. Having MS, I also wanted to prove to myself that I can do it despite the condition. I did a number of smaller walks in preparation, including a 20 km one along the beautiful East Lothian Coast together with a colleague and good friend of mine, and a 30 km walk that ended with a stunning sunset across the Firth of Forth.

The University of Edinburgh’s Community Fundraising Officer got me an Anne Rowling Clinic tee-shirt, which I proudly wore on the day. A friend gifted me an excellent kilt, which now has a special place in my heart. My partner spread the word among her colleagues, helped me raise funds, and brought me a cup of coffee halfway through the walk, when it was much needed. Huge financial support and encouragements came from family and good friends, old and new.

The walk was smooth for most parts and I was able to appreciate parts of Edinburgh that were previously less known to me. It was great to see so many people cheering up the walkers all along the way. The last 2-3 miles were painful, as my body was running out steam, but I was determined to cross the finish line.

I promoted the fundraising through social media, direct emails to friends, and by appending a link to the fundraising page at the end of each of the emails I sent over the 2-3 weeks prior to the event.

I feel proud to have been able to complete this challenge and raise this much funding for a cause that matters so much to me.

Fundraising wisdom

Stay focused, never lose hope!

Related Links

Anne Rowling Clinic