In 2023, Stuart and Scott McGachan co-founded The Beatles Marathon UK in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – a charity founded by rugby player Doddie Weir OBE, dedicated to funding research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and offering vital support to those living with the illness, as well as their families.
For Stuart and Scott, the Marathon and its mission are deeply personal.
Growing up in Edinburgh, alongside their older sister Clare, the McGachan home was a haven of music. Their household’s soundtrack included the likes of Gerry Raftery, Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and – of course – The Beatles. Albums by the famous four filled their childhoods, and it is no surprise that the family has deep musical roots to this day.
In 2021, their father Pat McGachan was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. MND affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. There is no cure – only treatments to reduce the impact it has on a person’s life.
Over the next two years, Pat’s health rapidly declined.
Inspired by Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon, a Beatles Marathon in Stuart’s current hometown of Columbus, Ohio, the McGachan family held onto the hope that Pat would witness the first-ever Beatles Marathon in the UK. The event was scheduled for late November 2023, but tragically, Pat passed away just weeks before the event.
The Beatles Marathon now stands as a tribute to Pat and all those battling MND. The funds raised will empower the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to support individuals like Pat and provide much-needed assistance to families like the McGachans as they navigate the most challenging chapters of their lives.
Patrick ‘Pat’ McGachan
1951 – 2023
The Venue
Find out how to get to Portobello Town Hall, as well as the food and drink options on offer.
The Bands
Browse through the talented local bands taking on 13 albums by the famous four.
The Charity
Founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation support those suffering with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
