MND champion Lucy Smith from Moray hands over £21k to MND Scotland

MND inspiration Lucy Smith and her amazing support team are celebrating after raising more than £21,000 for research into the condition.

A ball last November at Inchberry Hall celebrated the 10th anniversary of Lucy's diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease.

Lucy, from Elgin, was delighted to hand over the biggest amount ever raised by her at a single event (it also included a Christmas lucky squares) over the last decade.

Jonathan Mitchell, head of fundraising for MND Scotland, travelled to Elgin to meet Lucy and her supporters and accept the money.

"It is an incredible amount," he said. "I know Lucy has raised a lot of money over the years but to raise over £21,000 from one event is absolutely fantastic.

"This will make a huge difference. There are around 400 people in Scotland living with Motor Neuron Disease and MND Scotland are there to support each and every one of them, whether that's financial, emotional or practical support. It is also about finding a cure and investing in research."

Lucy was the youngest person in Scotland to be diagnosed with MND at the age of 19.

She has since gone on to marry her sweetheart Tommy and give birth to two beautiful children, Logan and Ahsoka.

Lucy has become a staunch supporter of MND Scotland, raising tens of thousands of pounds with the support of good friends and family.

After presenting a cheque for £21,000 to Jonathan, Lucy said of the total raised: "It is really good and way more than I have ever raised before.

"It was a great night. It was a really big milestone for me to reach 10 years."

However, Lucy won't be resting on her laurels and is already planning another fundraising ball in five years time.

She paid tribute to the "powerhouses" who form her organising committee.

Lucy and her friends have raised more than £325,000 over the last decade and that saw her awarded a British Empire Medal in the King's birthday honours for her charitable efforts.