A YOUNG Motor Neurone Disease sufferer has been praised by Prime Minister David Cameron after turning her terminal diagnosis into an opportunity to help others.
Although the average life expectancy of someone with MND from diagnosis is just fourteen months, Lucy Lintott, 21, from Moray, is still able to dedicate her time to helping people three years after first being diagnosed.
Miss Lintott is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award - which recognises the efforts of outstanding individuals - after setting up a blog six months after being diagnosed called Lucy's Fight, a bucket list that has included flying helicopters and scuba diving and having now raised over £100,000 in funds for MND Scotland.
As part of her fundraising campaign she has completed a range of events and personal challenges including a sponsored five day walk covering 65 miles with 20 of her friends and family, music nights, fun days and auctions with the help and support of her community.
She regularly gives speeches on MND and recently addressed 1,000 people at a youth and philanthropy initiative event.
Miss Lintott’s daily blog helps readers understand the daily challenges of the condition and raises vital awareness of how it affects people like her.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Lucy has shown incredible courage and determination in taking her own experience of Motor Neurone Disease and using it to help others.
"Through her blog, she is raising awareness of MND, tackling misconceptions and inspiring a huge number of donations which are making a real difference in the lives of many others with the disease.
"Lucy is an inspiration and I am delighted to recognise her service to others by making her the 534th UK Point of Light.”
Lucy said: "I'm so honoured to be presented with this award.
"It's moments like these that I know I've done the right thing and that I'm on the right path.
"I really hope that people realise a terminal diagnosis isn't the end of your story.
"If you don't allow it to be.
“MND doesn’t have the power to determine my future, I do.”
Craig Stockton, of MND Scotland, said: "Lucy is a true inspiration, not only to people affected by MND but to all of us. What she has achieved since being diagnosed, to raise awareness of and money for MND, has been incredible.
“Receiving this diagnosis at such a tragically young age, I am in awe of the strength and resilience Lucy has shown."
Miss Lintott is one of around 470 in Scotland who suffer MND, which usually affects older people.
The Points of Light system recognises outstanding individual volunteers and people making a change in their community or inspiring others.
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