Local MSP Emma Harper welcomed MND Scotland campaigner Colin Maxwell to the official opening of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday.
The MSP nominated Mr Maxwell from Dumfries as her ‘local hero’ which meant that he was able to join the official riding of the Parliament as her guest.
Mr Maxwell became an active campaigner and fundraiser for those suffering from Motor Neuron Disease when his close friend was diagnosed with MND.
On the 20th of August he and twelve others will complete a skydive from 10’000 feet in the team’s most extreme fund raising activity to date.
He commented:
“I thank Emma Harper MSP for recognising the work that myself and others have been doing to raise funds and awareness for MND Scotland, but to be honest i’m just a regular kind of guy helping out a friend. John McGaw has MND and lives with it every day, he is a hero.
“I was delighted to spend the day in Edinburgh for the official opening of Parliament. The atmosphere was brilliant, and meeting the First Minister and Deputy First Minister was a definite highlight.
Emma added:
“The ‘local hero’ programme organised by the Parliament which allows MSPs to nominate a constituent who has made a positive contribution to their community is a great idea. I was delighted that Colin and another member of the campaign team, Andrea Whelan agreed to join me last Saturday. It really was an amazing and wonderful day in Parliament.
“Colin’s dedication to raising funds for MND Scotland since his friend’s diagnosis is touching. I wish him and his team – which will include Colin’s brave friend John, who sadly has MND – the very best of luck for their big sky dive on August 20th.
“MND is a cruel and debilitating disease and I am sure that their efforts will play an important part in enabling MND Scotland to support people with MND, their families and carers – and hopefully one day finding a cure.”
