Fife MND Campaigner Wins Political Backing

Labour is supporting the campaign of Fife man Gordon Aikman, who has Motor Neurone Disease.

A poll out later today is expected to show overwhelming support for a campaign by a Kirkcaldy man with Motor Neurone Disease.

Gordon Aikman wants more government cash for research into the illness.

He's won the backing of Labour, which says the Medical Research Council should examine the case for increasing research funding for Motor Neurone Disease,

In a joint letter to the chair of the Medical Research Council, Ed Miliband and Jim Murphy said that the inspirational campaign by MND patient Gordon Aikman means the body needs to look again at allocating more money to finding a cure for the condition.

MND patient, campaigner and founder of GordonsFightback.com, Gordon Aikman, said:

"I am absolutely delighted. This commitment offers real hope for the future. 

"It is bonkers that in 2015 we do not know what causes MND, never mind what we need to do to cure it. 

"Ed Miliband has thrown down the gauntlet. It is now for the other party leaders to match his commitment. Whatever happens in the General Election, patients deserve to know the UK is serious about creating a world free from MND. 

"We are poised to find a cure here in the UK: we have top scientists and world-leading universities. Doubling MND research funding will help make that dream a reality sooner.  

"It will be too late for me, but we can and we must find a cure for future generations."