Scottish Charity Awards winners announced
MND Scotland’s Gordon’s Fightback campaign won the coveted People’s Choice title at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
It was started by Gordon Aikman, who died of motor neurone disease (MND) in February after a three year battle with the condition.
His campaigning transformed MND care, raising over £600,000 towards finding a cure and doubling the number of NHS-funded MND nurses in Scotland.
Patients who lose their voice also now have a legal right to speech equipment through the health service.
Lawrence Cowan, chair of MND Scotland, said: "I miss Gordon every day. It's wonderful that Gordon's achievements have been celebrated with this award.
“What the Gordon's Fightback campaign has achieved is remarkable - patients with MND see their nurses more often and for longer and there are also more researchers in Scotland searching for a cure."
Joe Pike, Gordon’s husband, said: “I would love to have seen the expression on Gordon's face as he was announced as the winner of this award.
“I would have loved to have heard the speech - the powerful speech - he would have given. But Gordon is gone - MND kills, and it kills fast. Yet this award is a wonderful tribute to his incredible campaigning, and we will continue with Gordon's Fightback until a cure for MND is found.”
The Scottish Charity Awards are held every year by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and celebrate the country’s third sector in all its diversity and vibrancy.
Shulah Allan, convener of SCVO, said: “I’m in awe of all the finalists and winners. Thanks to their efforts, more people in Scotland are receiving the support they need when they need it and we’re all more aware of important issues, and causes, which affect vulnerable people, and us all.”
