Gordon Aikman’s husband has said he would have loved to have seen the look on his partner’s face after he was named winner of a prestigious award.
The Fifer died of Motor Neurone Disease in February but his courageous campaigning, while battling the condition, has seen him voted a “people’s champion”.
Gordon’s Fightback, which transformed care and has raised more than £600,000 for research, won the prestigious 2017 Scottish Charity award following a public vote.
He did it!! @GordonAikman won the People's Choice! Thank you so much to everyone who voted from the bottom of our hearts! #ScotCharityAwards pic.twitter.com/D4qlvZHoq6
— MND Scotland (@MNDScotland) June 22, 2017
Thanks to Gordon, there are now double the number of NHS-funded MND nurses in Scotland.
Working with MND Scotland he also secured a legal right for patients who lose their voice to have access to speech equipment through the health service.
Organised by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations , the awards celebrate the life changing work of charities, community groups and people dedicated to making Scotland a better place to live.
All the winners! Great night! Still buzzing ? #ScotCharityAwards pic.twitter.com/S5oPLflNQg
— MND Scotland (@MNDScotland) June 22, 2017
Lawrence Cowan is chairman of MND Scotland.
He was also a close friend of Gordon and helped him coordinate the Fightback campaign.
“It’s wonderful that Gordon’s achievements have been celebrated with this award,” he said.
“What the Gordon’s Fightback campaign has achieved is remarkable.
. @GordonAikman's family, friends and colleagues gathered at the #ScotCharityAwards to support #GordonsFightback pic.twitter.com/KsolRgEVBb
— MND Scotland (@MNDScotland) June 22, 2017
“Patients with MND see their nurses more often and for longer thanks to the campaign.
“There are also more researchers in Scotland searching for a cure.”
Lawrence admitted to missing Gordon every single day.
But the fight he started will continue.
“Gordon and everyone going through this devastating disease inspire us all to keep fighting back.
“That’s why MND Scotland will keep on transforming care and funding a cure for this devastating disease,” he said.
Gordon’s husband Joe Pike added: “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.”
Donations can be made at www.GordonsFightback.com or text MNDS85 £10 to 70070.
