Pride of Scotland Awards Unveiled by MND Warrior Lucy Lintott Smith

Elgin: Lucy Lintott Smith was just 19 when she got the shocking news. She became the youngest Scot diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Doctors told her having kids was unlikely. But Lucy, now 30, was determined to prove them wrong.

Fast forward ten years, and she’s a proud mom of three! Her first child, a son, was born in 2020. It was a huge deal since most people with MND don’t survive long after diagnosis. Then, in 2022, she welcomed a daughter, and just five months ago, another little girl joined the family.

Lucy is known as the MND Warrior. She’s launching this year’s Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises. She shared, “Being a mom to three miracle babies feels incredible. I know I’m lucky.”

When she was diagnosed in 2013, she hoped to have kids one day. But she never thought it would actually happen. “Doctors said even having one baby would be amazing,” she said. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. My family is complete.”

MND is a tough condition. It affects how the brain communicates with muscles, making everyday tasks hard. Lucy now uses a wheelchair and has a team of carers to help her.

She worries about the future for her husband Tommy and their kids. But she’s grateful to have made it this far. “I’m just delighted to have three beautiful kids with the love of my life,” she said.

Lucy has raised over £300,000 for MND Scotland, hoping to find a cure. She encourages others with MND to live every day fully. “Fight every day. Even small wins matter,” she said.

In 2022, she won a Pride of Scotland Award for her charity work. It was a night she’ll never forget. “Winning the award is surreal, but it’s lovely to be recognized,” she said.

Now, as nominations open for this year’s awards, Lucy wants to hear about more unsung heroes. The Pride of Scotland Awards celebrate those who make a difference, from acts of kindness to bravery.

The event has support from many famous faces, including Queen Camilla and Sir Rod Stewart. This year’s ceremony will be hosted in Glasgow, and the details will be shared soon.

Hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are excited to honor those making a positive impact. “Pride of Scotland is one of my favorite nights,” Elaine said.

David Dick, Editor In Chief of Reach (Scotland), is thrilled to celebrate ordinary Scots doing extraordinary things. P&O Cruises is proud to be part of this important event.

If you know someone deserving of a Pride of Scotland Award, you can nominate them at www.prideofscotland.org. The closing date is March 16, 2025.