Stand Up Against MND Raises Over £50,000 for MND

Over £25,000 was raised on the night, taking the event’s total to more than £50,000 over the past three years.

“Stand Up Against MND”, which was hosted by Scottish Comedian Kevin Bridges, was dedicated to the memory of Motor Neurone Disease patient and campaigner Gordon Aikman, who died from the condition last month at the age of 31. Gordon was diagnosed with the terminal, muscle wasting condition at the age of 29 in 2014. Following his diagnosis, he formed the Gordon’s Fightback campaign raising over £500,000 for research to help fund a cure for the disease.

Gordon’s husband, Joe Pike, opened the evening with a heartfelt speech about Gordon and his Fightback campaign to cure MND for future generations. He said: “Two years ago at the first Stand Up Against MND, Gordon walked onto this stage to make a speech. He used a crutch. Last year Gordon was in his electric wheelchair. This year Gordon is not here.

“He so wanted to be. He was incredibly excited that Kevin Bridges was performing. But sadly Gordon died 6 weeks ago.

“Gordon wouldn’t want your sympathy or pity. He would want you to change things. Because in his short life he did: he changed the lives of hundreds of people living with MND in Scotland.

“Your support really does make a difference. Scientists in white coats are doing research in Scotland right now to help find a cure for MND. So in the future people don’t have to go through what Gordon did.

“Thank you for all your support.”

Fred MacAulay, who performed at the event for the third year running, said: “I am really pleased we managed to get such a good turnout for the night and to have raised over £25,000 in one go is just incredible.

“No one should have to go through what Gordon did and what so many others in Scotland have to. Funding a cure is the only way to stop this and thanks to everyone who came along we are another step closer.”

Lawrence Cowan, close friend of Gordon Aikman and Chair of MND Scotland, said:

“Motor Neurone Disease does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone and it killed my best friend.

“That’s why we must fund a cure for this devastating disease.

“It was a really special night. I want to thank everyone who bought a ticket. Every pound is progress towards a cure so their support makes a huge difference.”