After taking part in the Glasgow 10k in June, Alistair Macpherson is now gearing up to run his first half marathon, the Great Scottish Run, in October. We spoke to Alistair to find out what inspired him to run for us and why he thinks it’s important to raise awareness of muscle wasting conditions.
He’s an inspiration and it’s an honour to run for him
I’ve always enjoyed running and have previously done a 10km run in memory of my dad, but I’ve never run for Muscular Dystrophy UK or attempted a half marathon so this will be a massive challenge. But I have a strong motivation for doing it.
Until recently, I was ignorant to what Duchenne muscular dystrophy was, and then my friend David’s seven-year-old son Joss was diagnosed. David and I have known each other for a few years – our oldest kids have been in the same class since nursery and our youngest sons, Jude and Joss, met when they started primary school and have been best friends since.
Joss’s parents realised that he was struggling with stairs found it hard to get up from the ground by himself. Initially no one took their concerns seriously and said Joss had development coordination disorder. But they knew something wasn’t right and decided to go to a private paediatrician who fast-tracked for bloods and genetic testing. That was when he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged seven.
While the diagnosis has turned the family’s world upside down, they remain positive and focus on the present.
“They don’t know what the future holds for Joss or what support he will need going forwards, but as a family they intend to give him the best life and will do anything to support each other.”
The thing that always strikes me about Joss is that he never lets his condition stop him. He is funny, very bright, and unbelievably strong willed. At present, apart from occasionally finding it hard to keep up with his friends, his condition isn’t stopping him doing anything. He is an inspiration and shows me, and everyone else, that life doesn’t stop because you are diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. That’s why it’s a real honour to be able to do my bit and support Muscular Dystrophy UK in his name.
Joss’s dad David did the Glasgow 10k with me on 15 June and we’re also doing the Great Scottish Run half marathon together on 5 October. David runs Caledonia Football Club, where I also coach, and most of the parents from the team are joining us for the half marathon. David’s wife Dianne has also signed up for the 10km run on the same day. Not only that, but the full Caledonia FC 2014’s team are doing the junior run in support, along with a few of the other teams within our league. It’s a real community effort.
Joss is a great wee boy and a brilliant friend to my son Jude. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition that I personally didn’t know much about until Joss’s diagnosis.
Now that I have more knowledge about the condition, I feel more people need to know about it and I hope that we can increase awareness as well as raise money for this important cause.
“To think that kids and adults are living with an uncertainty about their life is heartbreaking. So any help, however small, I can give to support the cause is worth it.”
Support Alistair's fundraising
By supporting Alistair’s efforts, you’ll be contributing to crucial research and support for individuals living with muscle wasting conditions.
Interested in running?
From a 10k to half, full or ultra marathon – there’s a running event for you. Find out more and sign up to help change the future of muscle wasting conditions.
