A SELFLESS Clacks woman who has dedicated more than ten years to raising awareness of lung disease has been recognised with a national honour.

Linda McLeod, from Alloa, is to receive a British Citizen Award (BCA) for her services to the community, and for her tireless efforts to improve the health of young people.

She has been chair of the British Lung Foundation's local support group, Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, since it was formed in 2010, and has been on the Cross Party Group on tobacco and health at Scottish Parliament for three years.

To help fund the group, Linda has organised a variety of fundraising events such as a fashion show, charity quiz nights and bingo.

Along with the provost, she raised £2,000 for a new Maggie's Cancer Centre, and £2,000 for the British Lung Foundation by holding a charity Christmas concert in 2013.

However, her accomplishments are all the more admirable as she was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) more than a decade ago.

Linda, 67, said: "Since being diagnosed with COPD in 2004, my life has changed dramatically, and there are so many things I can no longer do.

"Breathing is very difficult and I can't walk very far, which is why it is so important to me to raise awareness of lung disease and help improve the lives of those with respiratory conditions.

"I didn't know I was being nominated for the award at first, but when I found out I was very pleased.

"The work I do is extremely important to me, and I don't do it for the awards, but to be recognised is really lovely and means a lot to me.

"I'm really looking forward to attending the ceremony in London later this month."

One of Linda's greatest achievements has been securing a Tele Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, meaning those suffering from lung disease in Clacks no longer had to travel to Larbert twice a week for rehabilitation exercise.

The group also successfully campaigned for a tobacco control officer to be placed at four local hospitals and healthcare centres, to ensure that smoking is not permitted on the grounds.

In addition, Breathe Easy has donated 10 nebulisers and 20 pulse oximeters to all healthcare centres in Clackmannanshire, as well as oximeters to the local ambulance service. These devices can help save lives by telling paramedics, in just seconds, how critical a patient's oxygen levels are.

Still, one of the most important topics for group is making sure that future generations do not smoke.

Linda regularly visits local primary schools, as well as Brownie and Scouts groups, to give talks to youngsters about the dangers of smoking.

She was nominated for a BCA by her daughter Lynsey Morrison, who said: "My mother, even though her health is not at all good, works tirelessly to raise awareness of lung disease in the community, and has been instrumental in receiving funding for much needed equipment.

"She is so dedicated to what she does, which is why I felt she deserved recognition, and myself and all of her family are so immensely proud of her. This fantastic accolade is very much deserved for all of the work that she does."

Linda is one of 29 medallists to be honoured at a ceremony on January 26, at the Palace of Westminster.