The co-founder of Euan’s Guide, Euan MacDonald, has died aged 50.
He was first diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) at the age of 29, and sought to fight for disabled access. He and his sister Kiki set up the website to gather reviews of access to places people might want to visit but needed to have more information about disabled access.
Euan said: “The aim of Euan’s Guide is to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about.”
The disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide announced his death on Wednesday evening, saying: “The Euan’s Guide team are heartbroken that our co-founder, friend and inspiration has finally lost his long, long fight against Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
“But we are determined to continue to build his vision even though he has gone. Euan achieved many great things during his life, despite the many challenges that he faced. We can think of no better legacy for or tribute to him than continuing to grow Euan’s Guide in order to help improve the lives of disabled people and their friends, families and carers everywhere.”
The charity also conducts the largest access survey in the UK.
Initially the idea for the guide came from his own frustration at not being able to get into places with his powered wheelchair. Hotels, visitor attractions, accessible loos have all now been reviewed and assessed in an effort to help others.
He also founded the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research at the University of Edinburgh along with his father Donald MacDonald, CBE. Both men were law graduates of the university, and MacDonald senior had founded the City Inn chain of hotels. It was reported in 2007 that they had donated a seven figure sum to set up the facility.
The Centre is a not for profit network of hundreds of scientists and professionals looking for a cure. The centre now runs a trial with more than 750 participants. He also set up SpeakUnique in 2012 – a far-seeing service to retain the voice of those who might lose theirs to this terrible disease.
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