Help beat cruel MND

EVERY year, 160 Scots are diagnosed with MND.

But behind each statistic is a patient battling to see another birthday. With them is a devoted carer and family working tirelessly to make their last days memorable and comfortable.

High-profile cases like that of Jimmy “Jinky” Johnstone and Fernando Ricksen have done much to raise awareness of the disease.

Scots political activist Gordon Aikman, who died this year, brought the campaign to the fore when he persuaded political leaders to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge. His effort raised an enormous amount for research but more is needed if the illness is to be defeated.

Today, two families have told how MND has affected them. Their stories are heartbreaking but they are speaking in the hope Record readers will help fund the research which may save others – even if it comes too late for them.

We owe it to their courage to be as generous as we can.