A Scots dad ran seven marathons in just one week in support of his own father who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Jeff Dobson, from the Shetlands Islands, completed the incredible challenge to raise £18,000 cash for charity MND Scotland.
The 33-year-old had moved back to the islands with wife Jacqueline, an NHS nurse last year after living in Glasgow for 14 years.
Shortly after their arrival Jeff’s dad Tony was diagnosed with the incurable condition.
Jeff described how his dad had begun struggling to lift his toes on his own during the summer of 2023 and became limp very quickly.
Through the winter months, he attended lots of appointments and MRI scans to find out the cause of the problems he was experiencing.
“In March, he was told he had motor neurone disease. Looking back now, there were clear signs but MND never crossed my mind,” Jeff said.
“We were all in shock. We just couldn’t believe it. As a keen rugby player and follower, MND is something I have been increasingly aware of through the awareness raised by Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield.”
Tony’s MND progressed very quickly and his diagnosis and he soon lost his ability to walk. The strength in his arms and legs started to go, and his speech has become slower. Later this month, Jeff’s mum and dad will travel to Aberdeen so Tony can be fitted with an NIV (non-invasive ventilation). On average almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland with MND and 30% of people die within 12 months.
Tragically, Tony is also bravely battling prostate cancer and has been living with CROHN’s disease for over 35 years. Despite his health issues, Tony doesn’t let this hold him back and continues to work within the local council housing office.
Jeff continued: “Jacqueline and I have taken part in Doddie Aid each year, but I felt that it was time to step up to an even greater challenge in the fight against MND.
“My mum and dad received a lot of support from MND Scotland. Once my dad received his diagnosis and the news sank in, I knew I wanted to fundraise.”
Beginning on October 6 and covering a total distance of 100 miles in 7 days, Jeff embarked on his ‘7 in 7’ challenge by first taking on the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow, completing a further 6 half marathons back home in Shetland.
He continued: “I’ve always been active but wouldn’t describe myself as a runner by any means. However, I wanted to do something that would challenge me even further.
“Seeing the amount of funds that have been raised so far is overwhelming. It was more than I could ever have imagined. It made all of those miles, training and slight injuries worth it in the end.”
Jeff has raised over £18,000 which will be split across four charities – with MND Scotland receiving half of the money raised. If you would like to donate to his page, click here.
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