Boost for motor neurone research
Updated on 27 June 2007
A leading Scots businessman has helped fund a dedicated centre for research into Motor Neurone Disease after his son was diagnosed with the crippling condition.
Scientists at the Euan MacDonald Centre in Edinburgh will work on developing better treatments for sufferers of the fatal nerve disease while hunting for a potential cure.
The clinic has been established by Edinburgh University following a seven-figure donation by Donald MacDonald, co-founder of the City Inn hotel chain, and his son Euan.
Euan MacDonald, 32, was working at an investment bank in London when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2003.
MND is caused by the deterioration of motor nerve cells, leading to the loss of speech and body paralysis. Affecting around one in 20,000 people, scientists are not sure what causes people to acquire the condition.
The new centre - the first of its kind in Scotland - will be based next to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and will use stem cell technology to help develop more effective treatments. Researchers will work closely with the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association while also liaising with other specialist centres across the globe.
Edinburgh-based Donald MacDonald is vice-chairman of the City Inn chain and joint chairman of Caledonian Brewery. The businessman is also chairman of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a board member of the Edinburgh International Festival.
Mr MacDonald said: "There are virtually no effective drugs currently available to treat motor neurone disease and improved treatments are desperately needed.
"The new centre will enable scientists and clinicians to look at ways in which to improve the treatment available, with research to understand the fundamental mechanisms of motor neurones and how to prevent them from deteriorating, leading the way to improving patient care."
Married father-of-two Euan MacDonald was diagnosed with MND shortly after turning 29, although it is most commonly reported in 50 to 70-year-olds. The first sign was when he went to buy a bike and noticed a loss of power in his thumb while trying to work the gears.
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