Aviemore gig tonight will raise vital funds for fight against MND
A remarkable charity cycle from Cornwall to the top of the Scottish mainland arrives in Aviemore today – and the music will play.
Mark Evans and Ian McGuire are cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and at the end of each day and each stage of the route the duo join their support driver to perform a gig in a local venue.
Tonight (Thursday) it's the Balavoulin, in Grampian Road, with the fun set to start around 8.30pm.
The musicians from Bristol are hoping to raise £5,000 and plenty of audience applause by completing their ‘Lejog 2 Legig’ challenge from October 9-22.
Having previously played supporting the Wurzels, they are no strangers to performing, with over 17 years experience of live performances with the band Tundra. They will be looking to entertain their audience with music spanning the
decades from the 1960’s to modern day. The challenge will be keeping up the energy after cycling over 70 miles each day.
When the duo get tired they will be able to draw on their inspiration and motivation behind the pedalling and performances: Mark’s brother-in-law Paul, who sadly died from motor neurone disease earlier this year.
Mark said: "Watching a very active, fun lovin', close member of your family become locked into their own body, but cognitively 100% all there and with them knowing that they are never going to move again was devastating and heart-breaking for all of us. More research is desperately needed and we want to do all we can to raise awareness and make just a small difference."
The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND.
The money LeJog 2 LeGig raises by through generous support from local businesses, friends and supporters as well as money raised at each gig will help the charity continue its work.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease which affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement and eventually leaves people unable to move, communicate or breathe. It kills a third of people within a year of diagnosis and half within two years. There is no cure.
You can support Mark and Ian’s fundraising efforts by turning out at the Balavoulin this evening or by visiting their justgiving page