Former footballer champions MND research

A former professional footballer is championing pioneering North East research aimed at diagnosing motor neurone disease earlier after losing his mother to the condition.

Cleadon-based financial adviser Marc Millar, who played professionally in Scotland during the 1990s and early 2000s, has become an ambassador for MND Scotland following his mother’s death in July 2025.

She had lived with motor neurone disease (MND) for almost two years, prompting Marc to become involved in raising awareness and supporting research into the condition.

As part of his ambassadorial role, Marc recently visited Newcastle University alongside Colin Houghton, of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, to learn about research that could change how the disease is diagnosed.

The visit was hosted by professor Roger Whittaker and his team, including MND Scotland-funded researcher Ao Wang, whose work is focused on developing methods of identifying MND much earlier.

Marc, who is now a financial adviser with St. James’s Place, said: “My involvement with MND Scotland came through very unfortunate personal circumstances after losing my mum to Motor Neuron Disease. 

“It’s something that’s incredibly close to my heart, so when I was asked to become an ambassador, it was an easy decision.

“Having spent my football career in Scotland, I still have many contacts there and, if my profile can help raise awareness and support research, then that’s something I’m proud to do.

“Visiting Newcastle University was genuinely inspiring. 

“You don’t always see the incredible work taking place behind laboratory doors, but what Professor Whittaker and his team are doing is remarkable.

“The focus isn’t simply on treatment; it’s about diagnosing MND much earlier. 

“At the moment diagnosis can take well over a year, and that’s precious time for patients and families. 

“The research being carried out gives real hope that one day diagnosis could happen much sooner.”

Marc added: “My day job is helping people understand their finances and plan for the future, but supporting MND Scotland is something that’s deeply personal. 

“If sharing my family’s experience encourages greater awareness or helps support this important research, then it’s absolutely worthwhile.”

Colin, whose family established the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation following the diagnosis of former footballer Stephen Darby, added: “Families affected by MND know only too well how important time is. 

“Supporting research that could lead to earlier diagnosis is incredibly important, and it’s encouraging to see Newcastle University leading work that has the potential to benefit people well beyond the North East.”

People can currently wait between 12 and 18 months for a confirmed diagnosis, by which point the disease may have progressed significantly.

Researchers hope earlier diagnosis could allow patients to access specialist care, support and emerging treatments sooner.

MND Scotland is funding the Newcastle research because of its potential to improve outcomes for people affected by the incurable neurological condition.

Dr Jane Haley, interim chief executive and director of research at MND Scotland, added: “MND Scotland are hugely grateful to Marc for agreeing to become an ambassador and help us raise awareness of MND, a condition that very sadly took his mother. 

“As this research highlights, not enough is known about the disease which makes it challenging to diagnose. 

“With the help of our incredible supporters, MND Scotland is able to fund Professor Whittaker’s research in the hope that diagnosing MND will become a quicker process, allowing people to access support as early as possible.”

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