Glasgow man with MS completes John O'Groats to Paris journey for MS Society Scotland

Jaimie Tait, 35, from Hillington, was diagnosed in 2019 and has since taken on mammoth tasks to fundraise for MS Society Scotland. 

With friends Adam Johnstone and John Morrison, Jaimie ran 539 miles in January 2020 and in 2021 they did a virtual run from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

This year, they ran 882 miles and rowed 33,000 metres from John O'Groats to Paris, and have now raised over £10,000. 

Jaimie with friends Adam and John

Jaimie said: “The support we’ve had has been amazing. For our first challenge, we thought we’d raise £500, so to have raised over £10,000 in three years is beyond our wildest expectations.

“You know close friends and family will support you but to see strangers donating to us has been incredible."

He added: “When we’ve done running challenges before, they’ve also been during the winter when the weather is cooler.

“My MS symptoms include sensitivity to heat. When I overheat, I can’t really concentrate or do very much.

“So with May being warmer, it meant I either needed to run really early or really late, which added extra challenge for me."

Jaimie Tait

More than 15,000 people in Scotland are living with MS, one of the highest rates in the world.

Everyday things like walking, talking, eating and thinking can be made much harder with MS.  

Jaimie added: “When I was diagnosed with MS, the MS Society was where I went to find information and I’ve also joined their Wellbeing Hub’s information webinars.

“It’s important that other people living with MS have the opportunity to access the support.

“I’ve definitely felt a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction in being able to help support other people living with MS by completing these challenges.

“I’ve been friends with John and Adam for 25 years and to do these challenges together has made it even more special.”

Morna Simpkins, Director of MS Society Scotland, said: “A huge congratulations to Jaimie, Adam and John for completing their incredible challenge and for raising over £10,000 to help stop MS.

“We’ve never been closer to stopping MS in its tracks and supporter led challenges like this play a key role in funding research into more and better treatments for everyone affected by the condition.”

To donate to Jaimie's fundraiser, click HERE.