Tributes to 'inspiring' MND champion Euan MacDonald after death aged 50

Tributes have been paid to an “inspiring” champion for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after his death aged 50.

Euan McDonald, who co-founded The Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research in 2007 based at the University of Edinburgh, died on Wednesday.

McDonald was diagnosed with the disease aged 29 in 2003 and helped develop the centre as a network of more than 250 researchers from across Scotland to improve the lives of those living with MND.

The MND-SMART trial – the largest-ever drugs trial for MND in the UK – was also carried out by the centre.

We’re incredibly sad to hear the news of Euan MacDonald’s death. Euan has been a huge figure in the MND community and the Euan MacDonald Centre has been an integral for MND research since day one.

Our thoughts are with Euan's wife and family at this very difficult time 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/YFgANSUHe8
— My Name'5 Doddie Foundation (@MNDoddie5) August 21, 2024

Inspired by McDonald’s ideas, the centre set up SpeakUnique, which uses speech technology to allow people with degenerative diseases to communicate in a voice that sounds like their own.

He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2009 and joined forces with his family to create Euan’s Guide, a disabled access review charity.

The charity has made tens of thousands of accessible toilets safer for people with disabilities.

Siddharthan Chandran, Professor of Neurology and Director of the centre said: “On behalf of the Euan MacDonald Centre, it is with immense sorrow that I am sharing the sad news that Euan MacDonald died today.

“Euan was an extraordinary man who through his vision, advocacy and leadership brought hope and helped transform the lives of countless people living with MND and other disabilities.

“Euan and his father Donald established, through a philanthropic gift in 2007, the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research at the University of Edinburgh.

“As a direct result of this far-sighted investment, Scotland is now a leading global player in MND research from discovery science to clinical trials. This includes the landmark MND-SMART trial, the largest-ever drugs trial for MND in the UK.

The Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research in 2007 is based at the University of Edinburgh. iStock

“Inspired by one of Euan’s own ideas, the Centre established SpeakUnique, a university spinout that uses state of the art speech technology to allow people to retain their identity and communicate in a voice that sounds like their own, when natural speech is not possible.

“Euan was very much a free spirit and again based on his experiences of living with disability, founded Euan’s Guide to empower others by providing information and choices enabling accessibility and freedom whilst out and about.

“The common thread that runs through these three remarkable initiatives are his courage, selflessness, ability to galvanise and inspire people to come together, to work with one another to make a difference.

“Euan was a special man, who will be deeply missed but whose legacy will only grow through all those he touched.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh said: “I was so sad to learn that we have lost the inspiring and remarkable Euan MacDonald, and I send my sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

“Euan was an extraordinary person whose advocacy for the MND community has helped to push the boundaries of research in this area.

“His impact at the University will continue to live on through our MND research and the Euan MacDonald Centre, which bears his name in tribute.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation posted on X: “We’re incredibly sad to hear the news of Euan MacDonald’s death. Euan has been a huge figure in the MND community and the Euan MacDonald Centre has been an integral for MND research since day one.

“Our thoughts are with Euan’s wife and family at this very difficult time.”