John's story

John Mackie MBE was diagnosed with MND on 6 March 1998 and as a result, he was medically discharged from the RAF as a Warrant Officer in August ’98 after 34 years of service.  John said his diagnosis was a “shock and a relief”. It had taken almost 2 and a half years to diagnose and he was almost 50 years old, ready to celebrate the marriage of his youngest daughter.  John and his wife Jenny decided to wait until after the wedding before telling the family.

John reflected on his physical deterioration and the effect it had on his freedom.   His balance became worse over time and his ability to speak was severely impaired, and he became partially paralysed. John said,  “During my RAF career I participated in 30 full marathons over ten years, including the London Marathon five times, Washington DC twice as part of the RAF team, Berlin, Frankfurt and being a Scot my first was Edinburgh.”

John first met apprehensively with the local MND community at the MND Christmas Lunch where he was made welcome by the late Dave Chambers, Chairman of the Perth Branch, and Stephen Lang, the donor of MND Scotland’s Lang Break Caravan. John said, “Dave amazed me. He had almost no use of muscles from the neck down yet was still in high spirits and his enthusiasm was incredible. He was my mentor. I have never looked back.”

John was stimulated to get involved in raising awareness of MND so at every opportunity he would display stickers and discs on his wheelchair , electric scooter or trike. It prompted people to stop him in the street to ask about MND including a lady whose brother was newly diagnosed with MND and did not know much about the illness. 

He became chairman of the Perth Branch of MND Scotland, following in the footsteps of Dave Chambers. The branch consists of a group of volunteers committed to raise awareness and funds locally and offer one another support. John said, “It is a great group and the backbone is the ladies of the Perth shop. We are very well supported by head office. It’s a pleasure to meet others at the AGM to catch up with staff and renew acquaintances with others affected by MND in Scotland.”

John was an avid communicator. He had a laptop computer and emailed family and friends and sent jokes to head office and others with MND to lighten their mood. He also had a light-writer another electronic piece of equipment that allowed him to have conversations with others.

John had a positive outlook on what life held for him, he said, “I hope to carry on raising awareness and lead a busy life. I would like to thank Shuna my Specialist MND nurse from MND Scotland the staff at my respite centres and health and social care professionals for their support. I would not have met so many fantastic people allowing me to follow the Scottish Rugby Team at Murrayfield, compete in the Great North Run,  go gliding and have days watching golf including the Open Championship."

John is not unusual amongst many supporters of MND Scotland. He believed his diagnosis with MND did not have to inhibit his life, and he knew that people with MND can make new friends while raising awareness.  He wanted people with MND to know that they do not have to be imprisoned by the illness. 

John was honoured to receive an MBE for services to the Royal Air Force and to charity in 1999.

John Mackie deceased July 2009

Updated Wednesday 29 Jul 2009