Honorary degree for MND campaigner Gordon Aikman

MOTOR neurone disease (MND) campaigner Gordon Aikman will receive an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh today.

Gordon Aikman with his degree. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Mr Aikman, 30, who was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease last year, is being recognised for his contribution to improving research and care for patients.

He launched Gordon’s Fightback to help those diagnosed with the disease and last month it was announced that the campaign had raised more than £300,000 to fund research into a cure.

The campaigner had already successfully lobbied the First Minister to publicly fund and double the number of specialist MND nurses across Scotland.

Together with MND Scotland, he has also been campaigning for a law change so that the 80%-95% of MND patients who lose their voice are guaranteed the equipment they need to communicate.

Mr Aikman, who is a graduate of the university, will be awarded the degree at a ceremony at the Usher Hall in the city.

He was given a British Empire Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his campaigning.

• Have you visited our new Scottish food and drink site?