A Borgue farmer is walking and cycling 1,000 miles for research into motor neurone disease – after a miracle recovery from illness.
Neil Picken was flattened by a mystery virus two years ago which left him with “brain fog” and no energy.
But on December 8 the debilitating condition suddenly lifted and his health returned.
The turnaround prompted him into resolving to help those with MND and no prospect of making a similar recovery.
And now Neil, 59, is nearing his marathon goal for Doddie Aid 2023 and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
He said: “After my illness I thought I would set myself a target and do something worthwhile.
“I had not been well for two years and had been to the doctor’s several times. I was told there was nothing wrong with me.
“But I had no energy, no appetite, was always tired and had this brain fog – I couldn’t concentrate on anything.
“I tried all different things to help myself but nothing worked. I was scared I had ME – but on December 8 I woke up and felt completely different.
“This great weight had lifted off my shoulders. It was like having a new lease of life and I’m totally better now.
“It was unbelievable and I can’t explain it.
“It turned out to be some kind of virus but suddenly it just disappeared. I never found out what it was – so good riddance.”
Neil, of Balmangan Farm, is in Doddie Aid’s Team South, one of five across the country based on Scotland’s five former rugby districts.
The challenge involves biking and walking or running 1,000 miles between January 1 to February 15.
And with around a week to go he’s right on track.
By Tuesday he’d chalked up 846 miles by bike and on foot – with cocker spaniel Scout and Border terrier Louis in tow.
On the funding front Neil has already smashed through his £1,000 target.
He said: “I have friends who have lost others to motor neuron disease. It’s amazing how many people MND has affected and is more common than you think.
“Doddie said MND is not incurable – it’s the lack of funding that’s the problem. He was an amazing ambassador for research into the disease.
“So in his memory we have to find a cure for this horrible illness. He said keep going and do your best and that’s what’s driving me on.”
Neil added: “I’ve got £1,150 so far and am aiming for £1,500. I only have 154 miles to go and my fitness is great.
“I’ve been on my bike a lot but I go out walking with the dogs as well.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Neil can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/neil-picken2
Famed Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir passed away in November after a long and heroic struggle with motor neurone disease.
