Sometimes, it can seem an uphill struggle to explain to people in power the day-to-day realities faced by people who are living with a progressive physical condition.

We usually find that once through the doors at Leuchie and a chat with some of our guests, people from all walks of life then throw their support behind the unique blend of health and social care offered in non-clinical surroundings.

To take that message to those who have not visited, much of my time lobbying on behalf of people with long-term conditions involves stints at the Holyrood parliament. The recent success of one of the cross-party groups I am involved with has made that struggle all the more worthwhile.

This year sees the first patients living with chronic pain using a dedicated specialist team at Gartnavel Hospital, with the service running at full capacity next year. This follows more than a decade of campaigning by one of the groups I am involved with, the Cross-Party Group on Chronic Pain.

The passion and tenacity of group members was recognised with the announcement last year that the service would set up in Scotland. This follows a previous anomaly which saw Scottish people with chronic pain conditions having to travel to a hospital in Bath – a 1,000-mile round trip – at great expense and, of course, greater pain.

Those involved in campaigning on behalf of others who may not have a voice in the corridors of power can also draw inspiration in their efforts from the continuing struggle of 29-year-old Scot Gordon Aikman.

Gordon visited Leuchie recently and is supporting our efforts to improve services for younger people who need short break respite care. Gordon’s story is remarkable. In the few months since he received the news that he has Motor Neurone Disease, he has campaigned for research and specialist nursing care for people living with the condition.

His online campaign, gordonsfight back.com, has raised more than £100,000 for research and is credited with being behind First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to double the number of specialist MND nurses in Scotland.

All this whilst coming to terms with the debilitating effects of the disease itself. If ever there are times when the uphill struggle for those of us campaigning on behalf of others seems too difficult, meeting someone like Gordon gives us the impetus to carry on.