Campaigner Lucy Lintott was given an award created in memory of her friend Gordon Aikman
The youngest Scot to be living with Motor Neuron Disease was honoured at dinner to remember her friends and fellow campaigner Gordon Aikman.
On Global MND Awareness Day (Thursday 21 June) supporters of MND Scotland gathered to remember Gordon, who died last year after battling the condition.
Gordon’s Fightback dinner saw the first presentation of the Fightback Spirit award, which recognises someone's inspirational contribution to the fightback against MND. The award was presented to Lucy Lintott (24) from Moray.
Lucy was diagnosed with MND when she was just 19 years old. In the face of a devastating diagnosis she decided to live her life to the full, and her positive attitude and drive to raise awareness and funds has touched many.
Lucy said: “I’m honoured to receive the Fightback Spirit award. Gordon and I have received many awards together over the years, so getting one named in memory of him, is very surreal.”
Lawrence Cowan, chair of MND Scotland, said: “Lucy is an inspiration to us all. Her approach to life, the way she is helping raise awareness of the condition and her fundraising are just incredible.
“Lucy has raised over £170,000 to support people and fund a cure for MND. The way she has also opened up her life to raise awareness of the condition through the media and in her recent documentary MND and 22-year-old me is beyond courageous.”
Doddie Weir, who presented Lucy with the award, and hosted a live auction at the dinner, said "It is fantastic to meet Lucy, something I have been wanting to do since watching her incredibly honest and moving documentary about her life with MND.
"Lucy has taken a devastating diagnosis and turned it into a positive – her fundraising efforts and work to educate people about Motor Neurone Disease is inspiring and an example to us all. I am humbled and delighted to present her with this award, while also recognising the huge contribution Gordon made to the fight against this horrendous disease."
“Gordon really cared about Lucy,” said Gordon's husband Joe Pike.
“He found strength in her fight against MND. They were both living with the disease at the same time and Gordon loved Lucy’s fun-loving spirit, her humour and her determination to make most of every moment.
“She inspires me, everyone involved in the Gordon’s Fightback campaign and so many others to keep making a difference.”
