A COURAGEOUS Largs man who is battling motor neuron disease is preparing to put his best foot forward as he gets set to embark on next month's Great Scottish Run in aid of charity.

Mert Zorlu, who originally hails from Karamürsel in Turkey, met his wife, Frances, 31 years ago whilst she was on a family holiday - and soon after they both moved to Largs to set up a home together and start a family.

Mert, 57, is a keen marathon runner and has competed in the prestigious London Marathon numerous times over the years – the most recent being in 2022.

However, he suffered a cardiac arrest the same year and has been in heart failure since. Following additional tests, he was then diagnosed with MND on July 5, 2022.

Left to right Kadriye, Frances, Mert, Emel (photo by Rhiannon Neale)Left to right Kadriye, Frances, Mert, Emel (photo by Rhiannon Neale) 

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe.

Despite being diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Mert has faced up to it with extraordinary resilience as he has not allowed it to hold him back.

He is now determined to make a difference by taking part in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run on October 6, where he will be joined by family members, Emel, Kenneth, Kadriye, Maia and Frances.

Frances said: “Mert’s attitude is amazing. He says ‘at least I know what is wrong with me now, and I’ll just learn to cope’.

"He’s very sociable and loves to meet with friends, going on holiday and visiting the family in Turkey. He has always been very fit and healthy which is why it was a shock to us all when he was diagnosed with MND.

Francis: “Mert’s attitude is amazing. He says ‘at least I know what is wrong with me now, and I’ll just learn to cope’.Frances: “Mert’s attitude is amazing. He says ‘at least I know what is wrong with me now, and I’ll just learn to cope’." (Photo by Rhiannon Neale) 

"We are very much family-orientated and we all adore Mert. We received a lot of support from MND nurse Helen Lennox, Dr Anderson and MND Scotland who helped sort out the benefits and grants we were able to access - which is why we are all supporting Mert and taking part in the Great Scottish Run.”

Together, the family aim to raise important awareness of MND and raise vital funds for MND Scotland.

The money will help the charity continue to fund pioneering research to find a cure and to support people with MND in Scotland, so they can spend the time they have left making precious memories with the ones they love.

Jonathan Mitchell, head of fund-raising for MND Scotland, said: “We are so grateful to Mert for taking on this challenge to shine a light on MND and to raise the vital funds to support people affected by this brutal condition. I am always in awe of the dedication of our supporters, but even more so in this case.

"The event represents community spirit, dedication and commitment as each step taken is not only a physical challenge but a profound gesture of support for a cause close to their hearts.

"Mert is such an inspiration to those affected by MND and the whole team wishes him the best of luck on the day. There’s an enthusiastic group of runners taking part on the day, including me, and there are still spaces available if anyone would like to join us and support.”

If you would like to support Mert, visit: ajbellgreatscottishrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/mert-zorlu.