Mark Somerville, a father of four diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), presented Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney with an egg timer as a symbolic reminder of the urgent need for action and increased funding to combat the condition. The meeting took place last week and was aimed at prompting government support to accelerate research efforts and improve care for those affected by MND.

Somerville, 45, from Uddingston, Lanarkshire, was diagnosed with MND in October 2023 and given an estimated 18 months to live. Since then, he has established the Mark Somerville Foundation, focused on campaigning for greater investment in research and better support services for patients and families. He told the First Minister that the egg timer was intended to illustrate the limited time patients have and the critical need for progress in treatment options.

“Every time he turns the timer and sees the sand, it will remind him that as every second goes by, my life is getting shorter,” Somerville said. “We desperately need a cure and we need help now. There is no cure for MND, so everything must be done to give people a chance.”

Swinney acknowledged the concerns raised during their discussion and committed to reviewing the issues presented by Somerville and his foundation. The meeting follows a question raised by Somerville’s Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), Stephen Bonnar, during First Minister’s Questions in June. Swinney previously emphasized the importance of rapid and effective support for individuals diagnosed with devastating conditions such as MND.

Alongside campaigning, Somerville has collaborated with biotech professionals Tony Lockett and Andy Whiting from Nevrargenics, a company developing a drug they believe could not only halt the progression of MND but also reverse existing damage. Their lead candidate, Ellorarxine, has received approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to proceed with its initial clinical trials in patients with MND and frontotemporal dementia.

Somerville also met with officials from the Department of Health in May to advocate for expedited access to novel treatments. His efforts have drawn attention at the highest levels, including commendation from former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The ongoing campaign highlights the critical urgency felt by those affected by MND and their families, as they push for advancements against a disease that currently has no cure.