Euan MacDonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Euan MacDonald
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| Born |
Euan James Stuart MacDonald
14 August 1974 Sheffield, England
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| Died | 21 August 2024 (aged 50) Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Alma mater | University of St Andrews Glenalmond College |
| Known for | Euan's Guide Euan MacDonald Centre |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth O'Neill |
| Children | 2 |
Euan MacDonald MBE (born 14 August 1974 – died 21 August 2024) was a Scottish entrepreneur. He was known for helping people with disabilities. Euan studied at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh. In 2003, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This is a condition that affects the brain and nerves.
Euan's Early Life and Work
Euan MacDonald was born in Sheffield, England, in 1974. When he was young, he moved to Edinburgh with his family. He went to school there and later studied at St Andrews and Edinburgh University. At St Andrews, he met his wife.
In 2007, Euan started The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research. He created this centre with the University of Edinburgh. Its goal was to find out more about MND. Euan also helped create The Voicebank Study. This project helps people who might lose their voice due to illness. It allows them to record their voice so they can use it later.
In 2009, Euan received a special award called an MBE. The Queen gave him this award for his important work. It recognized his help for people living with motor neurone disease.
Euan lived in Edinburgh with his wife and their two children. He passed away on 21 August 2024, at the age of 50. He had lived with motor neurone disease for a long time.
Helping Others: Euan's Guide
In 2013, Euan MacDonald started a website called Euan's Guide. He created it with his sister, Kiki. Euan used a powerchair, which is a type of electric wheelchair. As his needs changed, he found it hard to find places that were easy to access. There was no easy way to find out if a restaurant or shop was wheelchair-friendly.
So, they decided to create a website. Euan's Guide lets disabled people share reviews of places they visit. They can say how accessible a place is. This helps other disabled people find new places to go. It saves them from making many phone calls or searching online for hours. Today, Euan's Guide has thousands of reviews. It covers places all over the UK and even some beyond.
Awards and Recognition
Euan MacDonald received several awards for his work. These awards recognized his efforts to help people with disabilities.
- Points of Light Award
- The Power 100 List (in both 2015 and 2016)
- Commended in the Unsung Hero category at the Herald Society Awards 2015
- MBE for services to people with MND in Scotland
In November 2014, Euan was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK.
