David Thomson
David Thomson
An MND Clinical Nurse Specialist, David views the Edinburgh Half Marathon as an opportunity to contribute to the cause beyond his regular clinical work.
Method of fundraising
The Edinburgh Half Marathon 2025Why did you decide to fundraise?
For David Thomson, running has always been more than just a physical activity—it’s a means to reflect, recharge, and make a meaningful impact. As he prepares to take on the Edinburgh Half Marathon, David’s motivation is deeply personal: to raise funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research.
With a career spanning over 40 years in nursing, including the last 11 focused on neurology, David has spent the past five years working closely with individuals diagnosed with MND and their families. His experience in this field has given him first hand insight into the profound effects of MND and the critical need for ongoing research. David explains, “If there’s going to be any way forward with motor neuron disease, it’s going to be through research.”
Having referred many patients to research trials and programmes, David views the Edinburgh Half Marathon as an opportunity to contribute to the cause beyond his regular clinical work. His decision to fundraise comes from a genuine desire to make a difference in the fight against MND.
With a career spanning over 40 years in nursing, including the last 11 focused on neurology, David has spent the past five years working closely with individuals diagnosed with MND and their families. His experience in this field has given him first hand insight into the profound effects of MND and the critical need for ongoing research. David explains, “If there’s going to be any way forward with motor neuron disease, it’s going to be through research.”
Having referred many patients to research trials and programmes, David views the Edinburgh Half Marathon as an opportunity to contribute to the cause beyond his regular clinical work. His decision to fundraise comes from a genuine desire to make a difference in the fight against MND.
How did you raise the money?
David’s journey into running began seven years ago as a way to improve his health, but it quickly evolved into an avenue for fundraising. He has since taken on multiple challenges, including the virtual London Marathon for Huntington’s disease and several 10K races to support his local hospice. “Running gives me a chance to clear my head and stay active,” says David. “And when I’m doing it for a good cause, that’s even more motivation.”
For this race, David’s training has been a steady commitment. Even when not preparing for a specific event, he runs two to three times a week. Though he admits he’s “not the fastest runner,” he maintains a consistent pace and has comfortably completed 10K races in the past. He’s now gradually working his way up to the half marathon distance. “My usual training route is along the Forth and Clyde Canal, with some hill runs thrown in to build endurance. Doesn’t matter if it’s wet, misty, or even snowing—I’ll be out there, just as long as it’s not too windy,” he laughs.
David has not set an official fundraising target yet, but he’s confident he’ll raise at least £300, the minimum goal for the cause. “I usually wait until a couple of months before the event to start fundraising properly, but I’d love to raise as much as possible,” he says.
For this race, David’s training has been a steady commitment. Even when not preparing for a specific event, he runs two to three times a week. Though he admits he’s “not the fastest runner,” he maintains a consistent pace and has comfortably completed 10K races in the past. He’s now gradually working his way up to the half marathon distance. “My usual training route is along the Forth and Clyde Canal, with some hill runs thrown in to build endurance. Doesn’t matter if it’s wet, misty, or even snowing—I’ll be out there, just as long as it’s not too windy,” he laughs.
David has not set an official fundraising target yet, but he’s confident he’ll raise at least £300, the minimum goal for the cause. “I usually wait until a couple of months before the event to start fundraising properly, but I’d love to raise as much as possible,” he says.
Fundraising wisdom:
David’s approach to fundraising is deeply rooted in his experience and commitment to MND research. As an MND specialist nurse, he works closely with Professor Suvankar Pal, who leads the MND-SMART clinical trial. Through these professional connections, he hopes to mobilise significant support for the cause.
His fundraising efforts are not just about reaching a monetary goal—they are about raising awareness and contributing to ground breaking research that could one day lead to better treatments and, potentially, a cure for MND. David’s dedication goes beyond the race itself, and his deep commitment to the patients, families, and research community makes his efforts all the more meaningful.
“If you’re thinking about supporting MND research, even a small donation can help,” says David. Every contribution will go towards vital research, helping to fund the ongoing search for a cure for motor neuron disease.
If you’d like to support David and the Euan MacDonald Centre, please consider making a donation through his fundraising page (https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-thomson-2).
His fundraising efforts are not just about reaching a monetary goal—they are about raising awareness and contributing to ground breaking research that could one day lead to better treatments and, potentially, a cure for MND. David’s dedication goes beyond the race itself, and his deep commitment to the patients, families, and research community makes his efforts all the more meaningful.
“If you’re thinking about supporting MND research, even a small donation can help,” says David. Every contribution will go towards vital research, helping to fund the ongoing search for a cure for motor neuron disease.
If you’d like to support David and the Euan MacDonald Centre, please consider making a donation through his fundraising page (https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-thomson-2).
