Campaigner remembered as courageous and determined

Tributes have flooded in for motor neurone disease campaigner Gordon Aikman following his death aged 31.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “Gordon Aikman was so courageous and so determined to do good even when struck down by a fatal illness.

“His incredible efforts to help others will continue to inspire our country.

“I know that even in his last few days he was working hard to raise funds for his charity and only thinking of what more could be done to promote the cause of other sufferers. My thoughts are with Joe and Gordon’s family.”

Former chancellor and Better Together leader Alistair Darling said: “Gordon was highly intelligent, courageous and above all a good friend to everyone he knew. “We will miss him terribly. “Gordon was determined to do everything he could to help to tackle MND. He was a real hero.”

Scottish political leaders have also paid tribute to him, with Scottish Conservative Ruth Davidson tweeting: “So sad this morning to hear of the death of Gordon Aikman, a brave & beautiful man. My thoughts are with his husband @joepike & wider family.” Willie Rennie, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, said: “This is incredibly sad news. Gordon was a generous and determined gentleman. My thoughts go out to Joe, Gordon’s family and friends.

“His contribution during the independence referendum campaign was both intelligent and joyful.

“I have great memories of working with him. He has left a great legacy that no one will forget.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described him as “inspirational”, while Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Gordon’s constant determination to do good for others was an antidote to a world so full of fear and anger. I hope that will be his legacy.”

Mr Aikman raised more than £500,000 for research to help find a cure for the terminal condition.

MND Scotland chief executive 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.”

His incredible efforts to help others will continue to inspire our country. GORDON BROWN