Fife sufferer says public backs more funding for motor neurone disease research

A campaign to double funding for research into motor neurone disease (MND) has the backing of the general public, according to a poll.

Gordon Aikman, 30, is leading calls for greater investment into finding a cure for the deadly condition and revealed an Ipsos Mori poll showed that 78% of people support the aim.

The former research director for the Better Together campaign, who was brought up in Kirkcaldy, was diagnosed with the disease last May.

He has launched the campaign Gordon’s Fightback, which also demands improvements in the payment of benefits.

He said: “Voters are clear: it is time to fund a cure for MND and fast-track benefits for dying patients.

“Half of people with MND die within 14 months and yet some patients are waiting seven months to get the support they need.

“During this time, carers are also denied the help they are entitled to.”

Ahead of the general election, Mr Aikman urged all political parties to commit to increasing investment in research and ending the benefits “injustice”.