Michael won't let his MND stop him fulfilling capital dream

The 73-year-old aims to complete Edinburgh Marathon with his son

- STUART GILLESPIE

A determined dad with motor neurone disease is not letting his condition stop him as he prepares to complete the Edinburgh Marathon.

Michael Cole will be pushed round the capital by son Andrew in a special sports wheelchair.

In the process, the pair are aiming to raise awareness of the disease as well as vital funds for MND Scotland.

Michael said: "I'm indebted to MND Scotland for many things, but I'm grateful for the entry to this year's Edinburgh Marathon.

"My son Andrew will be pushing me, and I am really looking forward to it.

"Andrew ran it on his own last year when it rained a lot, so we're hoping for better weather!"

Michael, who is 73, has always been fit and active, having been a competitive swimmer at school and a member of Dumfries Swimming Club, winning a Scottish Junior silver medal as well as accolades at West District and Scottish School level.

He also enjoyed playing squash and took part in a variety of running events, cross-country runs, hill races, 10Ks, full and half marathons, long distance relays, and several multi-day events.

He always competed with his fellow members of Dumfries Running Club, enjoying their camaraderie, as well as the competitiveness between them.

Michael is proud of his personal best times - 78 minutes for a half marathon and two hours 58 minutes for a full marathon.

He returned to competitive swimming in his fifties, winning a Scottish Senior bronze medal, and took up road cycling in his sixties until his symptoms forced him to stop.