Mark’s emotional 100km journey in memory of his dad
When actor and businessman Mark Barrett signed up for an extreme 100km challenge he was already in training to make sure he was physically strong enough.
What the 38-year-old dad-of-two didn’t foresee was the emotional impact it would have, and how a huge swell of support, shared memories, and strengthened relationships would help begin the healing he needed following the devastating loss of his father, Frank.
Known as Glasgow’s biggest bookie, Frank loomed large in the lives of his family, friends, and customers, and his shop in Glasgow featured in films and TV shows including Trainspotting and Still Game.
Having already lost his brother to Huntington’s, Frank chose to remain private about the disease when symptoms began to develop in his late 60s. Over time his physical health and cognition began to decline, and Frank moved to a care home for the 24-hour care he needed.
“That came during the Covid pandemic and we were very limited in our visiting hours and time to spend with him,” said Mark. “Sadly, the day after his wedding anniversary, Dad died in my arms.”
While struggling to come to terms with the loss, and a Covid restricted funeral that meant most of the people who loved Frank couldn’t be there, Mark began to look for ways to honour his dad’s memory and break through the silence that surrounded his final years.
“Huntington’s disease shouldn’t be a taboo subject and I wish we could have been more transparent about it,” said Mark.
“My dad was an incredibly strong, proud man who wore a suit every day. He was adored and we respected his decision but I think it’s important to talk about Huntington’s disease and to help other people and families. We need to make sure the specialist services and support is there for everyone because coping alone is a very difficult and lonely place to be.”
2025 became the year that Mark began to speak out – including giving an interview to a national newspaper and enlisting the support of others in the acting community, including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh who reached out on social media.
He also raised ÂŁ4545 after completing five hugely demanding events in nine weeks – the MacQueen Bros Mid Argyll Triathlon in September, the Great Scottish Run in October, and the Bellahouston Half Marathon, the Strathclyde Country Park Half Marathon and a Movember half marathon in November.
“I wasn’t expecting the fundraising challenge to be so emotional and healing for me,” said Mark, whose acting career includes hit time travel drama Outlander and roles alongside Emma Thompson, Robert Carlyle, and Danny Dyer, to name but a few.
“People I didn’t know from the Huntington’s community got in touch and everyone around me was very supportive. The news even reached my dad’s best man who now lives in Australia. They lost touch over the years and he didn’t know Dad had passed away. It was wonderful to hear his stories and memories.
“The whole experience of talking openly for the first time about how Huntington’s has impacted our family, and raising money to help other families, feels like a fitting tribute. It has brought me peace and I’m finally ready to let Dad go. After the final race I visited his old bookies shop for some quiet time. Now I know I don’t need to go there again.
“Looking ahead to 2026, I’m determined to do what I can to help Scottish Huntington’s Association and other families, to raise much more awareness, and encourage people that Huntington’s disease to be talked about.”
Will you take on a challenge in support of Scottish Huntington’s Association? Get in touch at fundraising@hdscotland.org