Lanarkshire Man Criticizes MND Scotland for Leadership Failures

Concerns are mounting over the future of MND Scotland, the leading motor neurone disease charity in Scotland, following the recent departure of its CEO and significant staff reductions. Lanarkshire resident Mark Sommerville, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) two years ago, has publicly criticized the organization for what he describes as mismanagement at the highest levels.

In the past week, MND Scotland announced potential redundancies affecting its staff, while those remaining are facing salary cuts to just 80 percent of their current pay. These developments follow the abrupt exit of CEO Rachel Maitland in September, along with the departure of the chairman of the board of trustees, Adrian Murphy, at the beginning of this month. Both individuals were appointed in 2021.

The charity is currently grappling with a financial deficit totaling nearly £1.4 million for the fiscal year 2024, a stark increase from a deficit of £188,000 just four years ago. Sommerville, who has been an outspoken advocate for MND research, expressed his disappointment, stating, “This is mismanagement at a high level at MND Scotland. Businesses go down every year but these people are dealing with people’s lives and my life matters.” He continued, “For them to just leave without explanation speaks volumes.”

Sommerville, a father of four from Uddingston, married his partner of 22 years, Erika, last year. He has two children, Olivia, aged 12, and Cole, aged 8. After his diagnosis, he was informed that he might have only 18 months to live. Now, he has lost the use of his hands due to the progressive nature of the disease. He voiced concerns that the charity’s financial troubles could jeopardize critical services for patients and their families, including financial assistance and free counseling.

As of this month, MND Scotland has paused its grant system, which previously provided support for improving the quality of life of those affected by MND. The charity’s website confirms that all wellbeing grants for the 2025-26 financial year have already been distributed in partnership with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established in memory of the late Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir, who lost his battle with MND in 2022. The foundation is now calling for increased funding from the government to support ongoing research initiatives.

Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody is among the latest public figures to be diagnosed with MND. A fundraiser for his medical expenses has reportedly raised £150,000 already.

In response to the growing concerns from the MND community, a spokesperson for MND Scotland stated, “We share the MND community’s frustration that there are currently no meaningful treatments or a cure.” The spokesperson emphasized that the charity was founded to support individuals affected by MND across Scotland and highlighted that the assistance provided is not available through statutory support or other charities.

Despite the challenges, the spokesperson reassured that MND Scotland remains dedicated to its mission, stating, “While we undoubtedly face a challenging time, we are passionate, committed and determined to continue for the MND community in Scotland that needs us.” In the fiscal year 2024/25, MND Scotland supported 96 percent of the individuals with MND in Scotland, providing personalized assistance that helped generate £1.4 million for affected individuals, along with over £586,000 in grants and 1,560 hours of counseling services.

Scotland’s charity regulator, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), has stated that it is currently engaging with MND Scotland to understand the charity’s financial situation. As the community awaits further developments, the focus remains on ensuring that those living with MND continue to receive the support they desperately need.