When she was just 19-years-old Lucy Lintott Smith became the youngest Scot ever to be diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and was told she was unlikely to fulfil her dream of having a child.
But Lucy, 30, from Elgin, was determined to prove the experts wrong and now, a decade on from her diagnosis, she is the miracle mum to three beautiful children.
Most people with MND do not survive three years after diagnosis so when Lucy naturally conceived and gave birth to her first child – a son – in 2020 it was thought to be a world’s first.
Two years later, Lucy, dubbed the MND Warrior, did it again, delivering a second healthy baby – a little girl – and then five months ago she and husband Tommy, 29, celebrated the birth of their third child – another daughter.
Lucy, who is helping us launch this year’s Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with our friends at P&O Cruises, said: “It feels incredible to be mum to three miracle babies. It’s still very surreal and I know I’m incredibly lucky.
“When I was diagnosed in 2013 I always hoped I would one day have children but didn’t think it would happen. I’d always wanted to be a mum and my dream came true with the arrival of LJ when I was 25-years-old. Being a mum-of-three is a much bigger dream than I ever dared to hope for.
“Doctors told me even having one baby would be astounding so they probably think I’m crazy having three but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My family is now complete – well I thought that after the two kids and look what happened. We’ve now got three under five so the teenage years are going to be fun.”
MND, which is often referred to as the “1000-day-disease” as few people survive beyond that point, is a rapidly progressing condition that stops messages from the brain reaching the muscles
The terminal disease, which usually affects people over 40, gradually makes gripping, walking, talking and swallowing extremely difficult – and eventually impossible.
Lucy, who grew up in the town of Garmouth, close to the Moray coast in north-east Scotland, now uses a wheelchair and a team of carers support her at home.
The brave mum, who married plumber Tommy in May 2022, said: “Of course I worry and I’m scared what the future holds for Tommy and the children but hopefully it’s decades away.
“I’m just delighted that I’m incredibly lucky to make it to 11 years after diagnosis and have three beautiful kids with the love of my life.”
Lucy is determined to make the most of every moment and has raised more than £300,000 for charity MND Scotland to help find a cure, despite knowing any breakthrough may not come in time to save her own life.
The MBE recipient, whose children are known publicly by their initials LJ, AR and SS, said: “My message to people with MND is live everyday and don’t give up! Fight every day. Even having a shower is a win some days.
“I get my strength and stubbornness from my parents, especially my dad who told me all I can do is my best and that is what I am trying to do for myself, my family and the MND community.”
In 2022 inspirational Lucy received a Pride of Scotland Award for her work raising awareness and funds for MND and it’s a night she will never forget.
She said: “Winning the award is still very surreal but it’s lovely to be recognised. I think in a terrifying and negative world it’s incredibly important to shine a light and recognise greatness and positivity. I hope people will get nominating their unsung heroes.”
Today, as we launch nominations for this year’s awards, we want to hear about others like inspirational Lucy who have made a difference in our local communities and beyond.
From acts of kindness and selfless bravery, to raising millions for charity, it’s no wonder the PRIDE OF SCOTLAND is the People’s Oscars.
The combination of big hearts and big stars have made the Daily Record PRIDE OF SCOTLAND Awards with P&O Cruises, a runaway success.
Famous faces who have lent support to the awards include Queen Camilla, Sir Rod Stewart, Brian Cox, Dougray Scott, Lulu, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Lorraine Kelly to name a few.
The details of this year’s ceremony, which will be hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli at a venue in Glasgow, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Host Sanjeev Kohli said “Pride of Scotland celebrates the best of people & the best in people. Every year it is an utter privilege to meet these wonderful humans & help shine a light on their achievements.”
Host Elaine C Smith added: “Pride of Scotland is one of my favourite nights of the year and I feel privileged to be back as host. I look forward to honouring the inspirational people who are quietly making a difference to their communities and changing lives in Scotland. These are the folk who make me proud to be a Scot and their selfless achievements need to be shouted from the rooftops.”
David Dick, Editor In Chief of Reach (Scotland) said “We’re excited to celebrate and honour another fantastic group of ordinary Scots doing extraordinary things. We’re delighted to be joined by our new partners P&O Cruises and want to thank them for helping make Pride of Scotland one of the biggest events of the year.”
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow added: “P&O Cruises welcomes many guests from Scotland each year so we are honoured to be a part of one of the most important events on the Scottish calendar. I am delighted that through Pride of Scotland we can recognise and celebrate the country’s everyday heroes.”
HOW TO NOMINATE
YOU can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award with P&O Cruises, by going to www.prideofscotland.org
The closing date is Sunday, March 16, 2025.
P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD – Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY – For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE – For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR – To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD – For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION – For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.
