An “inspirational” Moray woman has become the first recipient of an award created in honour of a campaigner who lost his battle with motor neurone disease.
Lucy Lintott was last night recognised during an event held in memory of political researcher, Gordon Aikman, who died last February.
Miss Lintott, who recently turned 24, was diagnosed with the condition in late 2013 and is the youngest MND sufferer in the UK.
She has raised almost £180,000 to help find a cure for the disease, and those efforts were rewarded during the gathering in Edinburgh.
Scottish rugby legend, Doddie Weir, is also battling the degenerative illness and handed Miss Lintott the Fightback Spirit award to mark her contribution to the fight against MND.
Mr Weir said: “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.”
Gordon Aikman’s husband, Joe Pike, added: “Gordon found strength in Lucy’s 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.”
Miss Lintott said: “Gordon and I received many awards together over the years, so getting one named in memory of him is very surreal.”
The event took place on Global MND Awareness Day, which was aimed at boosting the profile of the condition and raising money towards a cure.
The awards dinner featured a performance from Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross and an auction of items including a first edition Harry Potter book signed by JK Rowling.
