Runners line up in race for research

Hundreds of runners are to take part in a charity fun run in aid of motor neurone disease (MND) research.

The race has been organised by teenager Brynja Duthie to support her maths teacher, Donald Grewar, who was diagnosed with the disease last year.

World class

Joggers and walkers of all ages are helping to raise funds for the University of Edinburgh’s Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

The centre carries out world-class research into MND and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Star fundraiser

Fourteen-year-old Brynja - a pupil at Madras College, St Andrews - has already raised more than £1000 through supermarket bag-packing and a street collection.

Mr Grewar loved to run before he became ill last year so I decided to show him how much I appreciate what he has done for me by organising a Charity Fun Run to raise money for him and research into MND.

Visit

Last month Brynja and Mr Grewar visited the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic to hear how the funds will aid research.

Staff demonstrated how skin samples from MND patients can be transformed into stem cells. These can then be turned into brain cells in the laboratory.

Studying how these cells differ from healthy cells helps researchers to investigate the causes of MND. It could one-day lead to new treatments.

Fun run

More than 200 people have registered for the race, which includes a one kilometre fun run for children and a five kilometre route for ages 11 and above. Many more are expected to sign up on the day.

The event starts from the University of St Andrews cricket pavilion at 11 o'clock on Sunday, 13 September. Runners can sign up in advance or register on the day.