A RETIRED professor from Seamill is to undertake a 500-mile bike ride next month to raise money for vital research into a killer disease.

From June 8, Scott Bryson will attempt to cycle across 10 Scottish islands in 10 days in aid of motor neurone disease sufferers. 

The 500-mile trip will involve 22 ferry journeys and take him across ten Scottish islands, including Bute, Great Cumbrae, Arran, Islay, and Mull.

All money from the '10x10' challenge will go to the Motor Neurone Disease charity MND Scotland.

Professor Bryson has worked in a variety of roles in the pharmacy profession, both in Scotland and in Canada, including NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

He joined MND Scotland’s board of trustees in 2018 as well as becoming the chair of the charity’s research committee in 2021. 

The pharmacy expert is already well on the way to passing his target of raising £3000 with donations from more than 100 people having already passed the £2800 mark.

Motor neurone disease is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles.

Professor Scott Bryson is preparing to get on his bike for MND Scotland

Professor Scott Bryson is preparing to get on his bike for MND Scotland

Suffers can lose lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow or breathe unaided and the average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

Professor Bryson said: “It is a terrible condition that devastates the lives of people diagnosed and those closest to them.

“I have worked within the profession of pharmacy for almost 50 years.

"This included a role with the Glasgow health board to support the introduction of riluzole in 1995. This remains the only medicine approved for the treatment of MND in the UK, but patients deserve better outcomes."

All funds raised will go towards research into medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of MND.

Professor Bryson added: “I want to use this challenge to make a difference in the lives of people with MND and help to continue the amazing work done by MND Scotland. 

“I also hope to raise awareness by meeting some people on the islands who otherwise wouldn’t have a direct connection to the charity.

“I know that it will be tough going at times but the thought of the people that MND Scotland supports, and our incredible donors will give me the motivation I need to persevere.” 

MND Scotland’s CEO, Rachel Maitland added: “It is wonderful to see Scott taking on this unique and undoubtedly difficult challenge.  

“From providing direct support to funding innovative research, the work that we do is only made possible thanks to our amazing fundraisers."

People can support Professor Bryson by donating at bit.ly/scottbrysonMND.