Remembering Euan MacDonald: A legacy of accessibility and courage
We recently said goodbye to our founder, and friend, Euan MacDonald, who sadly passed away on 21 August after living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) for over two decades.
It’s clear from the outpouring of love and respect received that Euan made a profound impact on disabled people, their families, carers, and friends, and in the field of MND research. His courage, determination and wit shone through in everything he did, and we are committed to continuing his legacy at Euan’s Guide.
Here are just a few tributes that we wanted to share:
NEWS ARTICLES AND STORIES
The Times
Euan MacDonald - Obituary
The Euan MacDonald I knew, Alex Massie
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/the-euan-macdonald-i-knew-wpblh23n5
Inspirational Euan showed courage to the end, Melanie Reid
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/inspirational-euan-showed-courage-to-the-end-nz0b9z87s
The Scotsman
A special man whose legacy will only grow, Paul Wilson
Edinburgh News
Euan leaves behind a powerful medical legacy of MND research, Angus Robertson
BBC
Tributes to MND champion who created ‘vital’ Euan’s Guide, Angie Brown
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy585kdx7ko
STV
Tributes to ‘inspiring’ MND champion after death aged 50, Matthew Fulton
Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research
Third Force News
Disabled pioneer Euan MacDonald loses long fight with MND, Robert Armour
https://tfn.scot/news/disabled-pioneer-euan-macdonald-loses-long-fight-with-mnd
Prolific North
Tributes to disability campaigner who inspire ground breaking speech tech, Stephen Chapman
Shaw Trust Disability Power 100
Tribute in memoriam
https://disabilitypower100.com/in-memoriam-euan-macdonald-mbe/
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES
In response to our posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram, we received many heartfelt replies, as well as many posts from people Euan has left a mark on in some way.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Euan MacDonald MBE. Euan's pioneering work with Euan's Guide transformed accessibility for countless people. His legacy will be the positive change his courage and advocacy brought about. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.” – MND Association
“We're so sorry to hear this news. Euan's Guide has been invaluable in helping us understand and improve accessibility at Scotland's ancient sites. Euan leaves an amazing and truly historic legacy.” – Historic Environment Scotland
“We are so sorry to hear about Euan. Euan was one of Homeland's patrons and we were as fond of him as he of us (and specifically Drummochy Lodge which he loved to visit). Our thoughts are with you all, his family and loved ones, and everyone at Euan's Guide.” – Homelands Trust
“I’m so very sad to read this. My thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues. Euan has left a huge legacy that many disabled people will benefit from in years to come.” – Suzanne Bull MBE
“We are deeply saddened to hear this news. Euan's work has made the world a more accessible place for many, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Euan’s family, friends, and everyone at Euan’s Guide during this difficult time.” – Motability Operations
“Rest in power, so sorry to hear this - thinking of all family, friends and colleagues 💙” – Kayleigh O’Neill
"Euan was a true inspiration. His vision and determination have made the world a more accessible place for so many. His legacy will live on through Euan’s Guide, and he will be deeply missed."- AccessibilityAdvocate
“I'm so sorry incredibly sorry to hear this. Condolences to his loved ones 💜” – Simply Emma
“This is the saddest news, Euan was a trailblazer who has left a legacy that really can’t be quantified. My thoughts to all who knew and loved him 💔” – Lizzie Ferrett
“We are so sorry to hear the sad news about Euan. His work to make Scotland accessible and welcoming for every visitor has been incredible and we are grateful to have had the chance to work with and learn from him. From everyone at VisitScotland, we are thinking of his family, friends and colleagues.” - VisitScotland
"I had the honor of meeting Euan at an accessibility event last year. His passion for making the world a better place was evident in every word he spoke. His spirit will continue to inspire us all." - InclusiveCities
“Thank you for changing the world in a such a positive way. Sending love to Euan’s family and friends; his legacy is phenomenal” - Rachel Davidova
“Such sad news, sending my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Euan has created an incredible legacy that will continue help so many people. ❤️” – Dr Shani Dhanda
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of pioneering MND ambassador, Euan MacDonald MBE. Euan and his father co-founded The Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research and worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of people living with MND and other disabilities.” – The University of Edinburgh
“I met Euan while I was working at the disabled campsite at T in the Park. I found his can-do positivity inspirational and I was delighted to be able to act on a couple of his suggestions that made his and other TiTP experience just a wee bit better. It’s hard to explain the impact that our brief conversation had on me but – even now – I find myself correcting people for tying up alarm cords, not thinking about access, and more. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.” – Iain Macpherson
“This is such sad news. Euan recognised that user generated content could play an important part in plugging the accessibility information gap, empowering disabled people to make informed decisions and take trips they may have otherwise not have taken. My thoughts are with Kiki Stevenson (MacDonald) and all of Euan’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.” – Ross Calladine, VisitEngland
“So very sorry to hear this. Euan was a shining light of our community and leaves a legacy of real change, ensuring future generations of disabled people live in a fairer world. Sending love to his family and to all who knew him. I count myself very lucky to be one. RIP Euan.” – Mik Scarlet
“Everyone at MND Scotland is deeply saddened to hear that Euan MacDonald, founder of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, has sadly died. Our deepest condolences are with Euan’s family and friends at this difficult time.” – MND Scotland
“I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. Euan was an individual of extraordinary courage and tenacity who inspired such wonderful work from such health challenges. My sympathy to his family who supported him with such love and care.” – John Swinney
“We’re incredibly sad to hear the news of Euan MacDonald’s death. Euan has been a huge figure in the MND community and the Euan MacDonald Centre has been an integral for MND research since day one. Our thoughts are with Euan’s wife and family and this very difficult time.” – My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
“We're so sorry to hear this. Euan was a trailblazer. His work has made - and will continue to make - an incredible difference to the lives of disabled people.” – MS Society Scotland
“We are incredibly sad to share the news that our co-founder Euan MacDonald died yesterday. It was Euan’s idea and vision that started SpeakUnique and alongside @euansguide and @euanscentre, Euan’s legacy will long continue. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.” - SpeakUnique
"We are heartbroken to learn of Euan MacDonald’s passing. His contributions to accessibility have been immeasurable, and his spirit will continue to guide our work. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Euan’s Guide community." – DisabilityRightsUK
“Such sad news about the death of Euan MacDonald who lived with MND for 21 years. Despite his massive challenges he achieved so much with @euanscentre @euansguide and his beloved family. Thoughts are with them all. RIP.” – Angus Robertson
“We are very sad to read this. Euan's Guide is a wonderful legacy. Our condolences to you all on behalf of our team and volunteers.” – Scottish Tech Army
“We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Euan MacDonald MBE. His aspiration to give disabled people the freedom to live their lives to the full leaves an enduring legacy. We will continue to support Euan's Guide colleagues as they continue his important work.” – AccessAble
And, finally, in the words of one user, "Euan may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to break down barriers for years to come. We owe it to him to keep pushing for a world where everyone can access the same opportunities." BarrierBreakers
A LASTING LEGACY
We can’t thank you enough for your support during this sad and difficult time. We will slowly begin to get back to posting disabled access information and content, carrying on the work of Euan’s Guide in Euan’s memory.
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