NORTH Berwick charity Leuchie House has been pledged support by a well-known fundraiser who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease.

Gordon Aikman, the Scot whose online campaign was credited with influencing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to fund specialist nurses for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has pledged his support for the county facility.

On a visit to Leuchie – which offers respite care for those suffering from a variety of long-term conditions – he said: “Leuchie House is an invaluable escape for people who can feel trapped, isolated and alone as their condition progresses.

“It’s a fantastic facility for people of all ages to get together in stunning surroundings without feeling they’re in a hospital or clinical environment.” And Mairi O’Keefe, Leuchie House CEO, was delighted to have the backing of Mr Aikman.

She added: ““As a fairly new charity, we recognise the difficulties in getting the issues affecting people with long-term conditions into the public eye. For Gordon to have made such progress whilst also coming to terms with his diagnosis is remarkable.

“We are hoping his attempts to influence policy will be a boost to our ongoing efforts as we seek to persuade the Government of the desperate need for funding of short break care for people and their carers living with long-term conditions such as MND.” The online campaign, Gordon’s Fightback, has raised more than £100,000 for MND research since it was launched following the 29-year-old’s diagnosis last year.

To donate, visit www.gordonsfightback.com