Half-a-millionreasons to saythank you

Gordon, who’s from Kirkcaldy but who now lives in Edinburgh, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years ago aged just 29.

He launched the Gordon’s Fightback campaign to lobby for more nurses and better care for MND patients as well as raise funds for vital research.

He’s now received almost 6000 donations and supassed half-a-million pounds.

Fund-raising events included comedy gigs featuring high profile performers, marathons, pub quizzes, bake sales and the great ice bucket challenge, which took socioal media by storm.

Gordon, who was head of policy during the Better Together campaign, has the support of politicians of all political persuasions, and as a result of his efforts First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to double the number of MND nurses in Scotland.

He’s been awarded a BEM for his work as well as an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh University and the title of Public Campaigner of the Year at the Scottish Politician of the Year awards.

Gordon, a former head boy at Kirkcaldy High School, was an accompished gymnast before his devastating diagnosis.

Motor neurone disease is a progressive disease that attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to weakness and wasting.

Said Gordon: “This money will change lives. It makes me immensely proud to know that research is happening today, as we speak, that simply would not have been possible without these vital funds.

“To everyone who has helped us reach this incredible milestone: thank you. Together we have brought forward the day we live in a world free from MND.

“It might be too late for me, but by investing in research we can, we must and we will find a cure for future generations.”