A convoy of elite cars and costumed characters took over Elgin High Street on Saturday for Kris O’Neill’s Cannonbawz Run. Now in its eleventh year, this fundraising phenomenon has steadfastly supported the Marfan Trust, raising both awareness and vital funds. We stood amongst the crowd as engines roared, heralding the departure of Kris and his crew, as they set off on their rugged road trip along Scotland’s scenic NE50. Kris’ brother Liam tragically died in 2021 of complications following an operation. He was just six months old when his subluxed lenses alerted a doctor to the possibility of Marfan Syndrome. Here is the Cannonbawz Story.
by Kris O'Neill
My family and I have lived with Marfan syndrome for 37 years. We saw how it affected my little brother Liam. He received the best of care from amazing consultants and surgeons, and lovely nurses. He was so very much loved by our mother Ingrid, our father Des, our step-parents, and us, his siblings, along with his many friends. He got on with things and with living life. He never once complained about his health. I think that because of this we underestimated the seriousness of his illness.
Liam had been through open-heart surgery many times and always came out the other side with a smile on his face. But he did not recover from his surgery in April 2021 and tragically died that August. It was a huge shock to us as a family that the effects of Marfan syndrome ended Liam's life at such a young age.
I am an air ambulance paramedic in Scotland. I created the Cannonbawz Run in 2015 to raise money for the Marfan Trust. With Liam my inspiration in everything I do, I will continue this rally.
At the Cannonbawz Rally, we met Kris and Liam's amazing mother Ingrid.
Ingrid recalled how she noticed that Liam's eyes looked different. She took him to a doctor who happened to have written his thesis on Marfan syndrome. The doctor noticed baby Liam's subluxed lenses and he was quickly diagnosed with MFS.
[pictured, Victoria from the Marfan Trust with Kris and Liam's mother Ingrid at the Cannonbawz's Herbie Bawz Rally on 30 August 2025].
Amongst Kris' friends at the car rally on Saturday was car-lover John.
John's brother died at just 34 of complications from Marfan syndrome and John has found great comfort the Cannonbawz Run.
The Cannonbawz Run has grown from 8 to sixty cars in just ten years. Kris' brother Liam accompanied him on many rallies and the Bandit Run was his favourite.
We are very grateful to Kris and his crew for their loyalty and support.
