MND Patient and Campaigner Gordon Aikman Dies Aged 31

Gordon Aikman has passed away at the age of 31 after a three year battle with the terminal illness Motor Neurone Disease.

Gordon, when diagnosed with the incurable condition in February 2014, learned that the average life expectancy is only 14 months. Since then he selflessly devoted the time he had left to not only fundraising to find a cure for MND but also to help raise awareness of the disease to unprecedented levels.

CEO of MND Scotland, Craig Stockton, said: “Everyone at MND Scotland is deeply saddened to hear of Gordon’s passing.

“Although Gordon was diagnosed with a terminal illness, this has still come as a shock to us all. I feel privileged to have known Gordon and to have worked alongside him on MND Scotland’s Board of Trustees.

“In the face of a devastating diagnosis, at the age of just 29, Gordon turned his grief into a drive to fight for the rights of others affected and to fund a cure.  In addition to his campaigning and fundraising efforts, Gordon has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of MND and the daily challenges people with the illness can face, through his own personal experiences.

“Gordon raised over £500,000 for MND Scotland which has been invested into cutting-edge research to find a cure.

“Gordon Aikman has been an inspiration to so many people across Scotland, not just to those affected by MND, but far beyond that.

“We cannot thank Gordon enough for everything he has done not only for the charity but for everyone affected by MND in Scotland.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his husband Joe, family, and friends at this very sad time.”

Lawrence Cowan was a close friend of Gordon’s and is Chair of MND Scotland. He said:

“Gordon was extraordinary.

“He united people to achieve amazing things. He transformed MND care in Scotland and set the agenda on the need to invest in MND research. His legacy will be felt in hospitals and labs up and down the country for years to come.

“Like everyone who loved him I am grieving today. But thanks to Gordon’s inspirational approach to life I am more determined than ever to turn that grief into good.”

If anyone would like to support Gordon’s efforts to fund a cure for MND please donate at GordonsFightback.com or text MNDS85 £10 to 70070.

Update: The Scottish Government has announced new Gordon Aikman Scholarship

There was a memorial and celebration of Gordon’s wonderful life on Saturday 18th February 2017.