FirstGroup employee Richard Emslie to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on the London Marathon in April 2014

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — FirstGroup employee, Richard Emslie, has set his sights on raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign by taking on the London Marathon in April 2014. The 39 year old from Laurencekirk, who is Controller at First Shared Services the financial processing centre for FirstGroup, is aiming to raise at least £1,750 in memory of his late father, Denis Emslie, who sadly died from the disease last year.

Talking about his challenge Richard said: “My father was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was 58 and unfortunately was confined to a wheelchair for the last four years of his life. The disease causes muscles to weaken and waste and affects more than 70,000 people in the UK.

“Although it was heartbreaking to see my dad slowly deteriorate I drew huge inspiration from him.  Despite the disease he never gave up and actually raised more than £60k for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.  Indeed before he passed away we had planned a team effort for the London Marathon – I’d do the running and he’d take care of the fundraising.  As a tribute to him, I was determined to see through our plans.”

Richard continued: “Muscular Dystrophy normally affects children so it was a huge blow when my dad was diagnosed. He was a fit man all his life, a keen golfer, cricketer and he also played football for Cove Rangers. In 2012 he carried the Olympic Torch through Banchory which he considered a tremendous honour – sadly he died in May 2013 aged 65.”

In preparation for the London Marathon Richard has been getting in shape by pounding the streets of Laurencekirk and hopes to complete the challenge in less than five hours. He said: “I’m sure it will be a tough, physical and emotional day for me, however, knowing that my efforts would have made my dad really proud will spur me on.”

FirstGroup has got Richard’s fundraising off to a good start – its Charity and Sponsorship Committee has donated £400.

To support Richard please click the link below:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardEmslie1

For information on Muscular Dystrophy visit: www.muscular-dystrophy.org

###

Subscribe to Notifications