Winners 2009
On 4th September 2009, at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, the exceptional Bighearted Scotland Awards took place in conjunction with the The Scottish News of the World. BBC Sportscene’s Dougie Vipond hosted the evening, with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Miss Scotland Katharine Brown presenting the Awards on stage together with the category sponsors’. The roof was raised with a special live performance from Keith Jack, ‘Any dream will do’ Star.
Our heartiest congratulations go to all our Award Winners of 2009 – they are truly incredible people who have all made a real difference to the lives of other people or in their local community and throughout Scotland.
Our Winners of The Bighearted Scotland Awards of 2009 are:
Les Hoey
Bighearted Scot of the Year
Les made the dreams of his daughter Shelley come true when he arranged for her to meet Boyzone after she was diagnosed with Leukaemia, aged 12. After two years at Yorkhill, a bone marrow donor saved Shelly and Les has now raised more than £300,000 for the hospital and charities CLIC Sargent and Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.
Ryan McLaughlin
Bighearted Child of the Year
After his mum was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Ryan formed the Shine on Scotland campaign. Working with scientists to develop vitamin D, as a preventive measure against multiple sclerosis, cancer and other serious diseases, he then continued campaigning to bring this to the attention of the Scottish Government.
Ryan has them crying on the night
Brenda Emmerson
Bighearted Carer of the Year
Brenda is the carer for both her daughter, who has health problems, and her grandson who has learning difficulties. As well as the day to day responsibilities this brings, Brenda has found the time to be actively involved with local Carers Groups, and campaigns to improve policy. She also participates in a number of health and social work forums and provides great support to other carers, giving them the confidence to speak for themselves.
Allan Thomas
Bighearted Fundraiser of the Year
Allan Thomas braved an ascent of Everest in memory of his sister’s partner, Carol-Anne, and to raise money for the charity which looked after her during her illness, Cancer Link Aberdeen and North (CLAN). The £20,000 he raised went towards a total of £50,000 for the charity. Next year , he plans an 874 – mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats to increase this figure even more.
Allan’s on top of the World after his win
Jim Leishman
Bighearted Sport Person of the Year
The ‘Dander for Mary’, which is a 81- mile charity coastal walk, is only one of the many things that Jim has done since the inception of the Mary Leishman Foundation. This was set up after his wife, Mary, Lost her brave battle with Cancer on the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary earlier this year. In her memory, the foundation will help a wide range of causes around fife and in wider Scotland, and will provide support in the communities which most need it.
Jim Strolls to award then pays tribute to his wife
Charan Gill
Bighearted Business Person of the Year
Charan was the mastermind behind the hugely successful based Harlequin Restaurant Group. After selling the group in 2005, he now concentrates on his property and development companies. He still finds time to support charities and causes in Scotland and third world countries, including The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow and Help the Aged in India, where he has helped to raise substantial amounts of money.
Fraser Doherty
Bighearted Young Business Person of the Year
After being taught how to make jam by his Gran at the age of 14, Fraser developed and built-up the very successful Superjam from humble beginnings. Taking the business to a new level, Superjam has run over 100 events since April 2008, where they entertain the elderly with music, dancing and of course, Superjam and scones!
Johnny Beattie
Bighearted Entertainer of the Year
One of Scotland’s best-loved comics and now a star of BBC Scotland’s River City. Johnny has kept the country laughing for the best part of 50 years. During that time he has worked tirelessly for a huge number of children’s causes, giving generous time and support to underprivileged and disabled youngsters through the Variety Club Scotland.
River City Johnny’s a hospice here
Anne Wallace
Outstanding Commitment
This Selfless mum with church group Salt and Light, take a converted bus to Glasgow’s red light district to invite vice girls on board to offer them support. Every Thursday night the bus is a safe haven for the girls, and volunteers provide everything from counciling, to a cup of tea and a change of clothes.
