Connor’s charity walk for MND in honour of aunt who was ‘always smiling’

Connor Whitelaw remembers his auntie Gwen Ferguson as someone who was “always smiling and made everyone laugh”.

And he will honour her memory by walking the West Highland Way in April to raise funds for MND Scotland.

Gwen, who for many years owned a Caithness pub along with her husband, died from motor neurone disease (MND) and her nephew is determined to raise awareness and funds to help other families affected by the condition.

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile route between Milngavie and Fort William, and the challenge can take six to eight days to complete.

Connor (23), from Kirkintilloch, said: “I’ve always wanted to do something for charity and I think it’s important to raise as much awareness as possible about MND. I want to help find a cure for this devastating disease and provide support to those affected by it.”

MND affects hundreds of people across Scotland. It can rob a person of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.

The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is no cure and there are no meaningful treatments.

“Seeing my auntie struggle with MND was heartbreaking,” Connor said. “It takes away the essence of who a person is, and no-one should have to experience such a disease.

“My aunt showed remarkable strength and courage. She was incredibly brave, and it’s essential we come together to support those living with the disease.”

Gwen, along with her husband, Stuart Ferguson, settled in Thurso and bought the Bower Inn from previous owners Bill and Audrey Budding.

“My auntie Gwen had a contagious laugh and would set off a full room,” Connor recalled. “She loved doing impressions of people, including Les Dawson and Dawn French.

“I have very fond memories of her. She was always smiling and made everyone laugh.

“Whenever I visited her, she greeted me with a hug, and she always made sure there was a good supply of apple juice, my favourite drink.”

During a telephone conversation with her sister and Connor’s mum, Pauline, she noticed a change in Gwen’s speech and encouraged her to visit her GP.

After undergoing tests, Gwen received the devastating news that she had MND.

“I visited my auntie after she was diagnosed when she visited her dad, who was 96 years old at the time,” Connor said. “It was upsetting for them both as they knew it would be the last time they would see each other.

“I noticed her speech was very slurred and she was choking a lot. I was shocked.

“It was then that I realised how serious it was.”

To honour Gwen’s memory, Connor is taking on the West Highland Way on April 15 with three friends – Jude Welsh, Jack Johnston and Wojciech Rduch. All proceeds will go to MND Scotland.

Connor has set up a JustGiving page and has raised £750 so far.

“Every step I take will be for those who have faced this battle and for the loved ones left behind,” Connor said. “She will be there with me along the way.”

MND Scotland is dedicated to providing care, support and research funding for MND.

Jonathan Mitchell, head of fundraising for MND Scotland, said: “We would like to thank Connor for sharing his story about his aunt Gwen and for his incredible dedication and effort in taking on the West Highland Way to help raise vital funds for other families affected by MND.

“His commitment to our vision of a world without MND and raising vital funds and awareness truly helps to make time count for those living with the disease. We are so grateful for his commitment in taking on this epic challenge.”

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