Latest news with #P&OCruises
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland's top ten magical moments
We reveal our People's Oscar's most memorable moments as the nation's unsung heroes are honoured It was a night that had everything - even two dogs wearing tuxedos. The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises saw a host of stars turn out to recognise the courage and selfless determination shown by the nation's unsung heroes. Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the glittering event at Glasgow's Hilton was an uplifting showcase of everything that is good about Scotland. Celebrities including Succession star Brian Cox, Gladiator Sheli McCoy and footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland were queuing up to sing the praises of the inspirational winners at our 'People's Oscars.' Here are ten of the most magical and memorable moments from the night. BGT finalist raising the roof Vinnie McKee opened the show with the rousing version of Proclaimers' hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) which earned him Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in the Britain's Got Talent auditions. The 29-year-old holiday park entertainer from Ruchazie, Glasgow, set the tone for the whole evening with his soulful and uplifting voice which had the audience on their feet. Vinnie said: 'Pride of Scotland was my first performance since the BGT final and getting a standing ovation is a moment I will never forget. 'It was such an honour and a privilege to open the show and I felt humbled to be asked to be part of such a special night.' Brian Cox saluting community heroes There were audible gasps when the Succession star nipped in to present Stenhousemuir shopkeepers Asiyah and Jawad Javid with their Special Recognition award. The couple who donated more than £100,000 of food and medical assistance to people in their community since the pandemic were left speechless when he surprised them on stage. The Hollywood actor, who is busy rehearsing for a new play in his hometown of Dundee, said: 'What an amazing couple. Scotland's sense of community is what keeps this nation great. This evening as always has been totally overwhelming and uplifting.' Ups & Downs steal the show The theatre group made up of young people with Down's Syndrome and their siblings brought an extra helping of joy to the night. After picking up the P&O Cruises Inspiration award from Corrie actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan and singer Nathan Evans, the incredible group performed a spellbinding rendition of 'This is Me' from hit movie 'The Greatest Showman.' The enchanting group spent the rest of the evening hugging guests, signing autographs and spreading joy wherever they went thanks to their infectious personalities. Ellis Leggatt, from Ups and Downs said: 'It has been the best night ever. We are all so so happy and proud of what we have achieved.' Teenager of Courage gifted with a guitar Georgie Hyslop, 16, who is battling cancer but has channelled her energy into helping others despite her condition, is a massive fan of chart topper James Herriott. So her face was an absolute picture when he gifted her one of his Fender guitars in the press room after the awards. The teenager, who has raised more than £51,000 to help other cancer patients, was overcome with emotion when her musical hero surprised her. James, whose album 'Don't Tell the Dog,' got to number one in the UK charts said: 'Georgie is the strongest person I have ever met. She is the very definition of courage and being here to present her with her award is the least I can do.' Speirs family's Caribbean surprise Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs who run Calum's Cabin - a charity that provides holidays for terminally ill children and their families - won a cruise in a surprise giveaway. The selfless family, who rarely have time to go on holiday, were dumbstruck when they were revealed as the winners of P&O Cruises incredible prize. The trio, who are off on a 14 night cruise around the Caribbean in November, can't wait to catch some winter son on the other side of the world. Caroline said: 'As if winning a Pride of Scotland Special Recognition award wasn't enough already… Duncan nearly had to pick me off the floor I was that shocked and overwhelmed.' Dogs in tuxes Last year there was a little pony in a kilt but on Monday night it was two dogs in tuxedos that were the talk of the red carpet. Troy the fox red golden retriever looked dapper in his dickie bow as he accompanied owner Stewart Miller, winner of the Outstanding Bravery award. Troy was presented with a special dog tag after aiding Stewart in the rescue of a woman who was drowning in the River Tay during a storm. Trainee assistance dog Blu, who belongs to King's Trust Young Achiever Ashleigh, was also sporting a jazzy tux and became a fan favourite with the guests. Gladiator Sabre hailing Young Fundraiser Sheli McCoy told seven-year-old Theo Hardie he was a real life Gladiator after running 100 miles to raise money for his little brother's wheelchair. The weightlifting champion said she had even come up with a name for him - 'Centurion' - as a nod to him completing his incredible fundraising challenge. Sheli said: 'Theo is a real life Gladiator - his strength, determination and empathy for others makes him a champion in my eyes. The bond he has with his gorgeous little brother is very special. He has the heart of a warrior and he is only seven.' First Minister honours Sir Chris Hoy Scotland's First Minister John Swinney hailing cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy as Scotland's Champion had everyone reaching for the tissues. The FM said the six time Olympic gold medallist, who is refusing to let his terminal cancer diagnosis get him down, is a legend both in and out of the saddle. Swinney said: 'Sir Chris is an absolute sporting legend who has achieved so much but then in the face of adversity has demonstrated the strength and resolve which is of course so characteristic of all of the Pride of Scotland winners.' Red carpet malfunction Love Island's Paige Turley stayed calm despite suffering from a wardrobe mishap in the taxi on the way to the event. The singer, who was hosting this year's Red Carpet Live alongside Stevie Jukes of Saint Phnx, gasped after discovering her long sequin gown had split at the bum. But Paige took it all in her stride and kept on talking while a member of the crew sewed her back into her dress. She said: 'It was my boyfriend who spotted the split. Thank goodness we got it fixed before folk started to arrive. Pride of Scotland is my favourite event of the year.' Grand Finale The inspirational show was rounded off with hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli inviting all the winners to return to the stage. There was a cocophony of cheers and a ten minute standing ovation for the incredible unsung heroes, who continued to party with the stars into the wee small hours. Elaine C Smith said: 'These awards are a reminder to everyone that there is still so much good in the world with folk looking out for their neighbours and going above and beyond to help others in their communities. 'The room was filled to the rafters with 'angels' who are quietly making a massive difference to the world. Seeing them all together on the the stage at the end lifted my soul and warmed my heart.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Big hearted family win a Caribbean cruise at Pride of Scotland Awards
The Speirs who run cancer charity Calum's Cabin scoop an exciting P&O Cruise at our People's Oscars The Speirs who have provided holidays for 3000 terminally ill children and their families scooped the trip of a lifetime at the Pride of Scotland awards. Duncan, 63, Caroline, 58 and their daughter Jenna, 30, who run charity Calum's Cabin, won a luxury Caribbean getaway courtesy of award sponsors P&O Cruises. The trio were left speechless when they were revealed as the winners of the 14 night cruise at the glittering ceremony last Monday night. The family, who built a network of holiday homes and flats in memory of their son Calum, have spent the last 14 years giving sick kids and their families a much needed break. So it seems fitting that thanks to P&O Cruises they will now be able to enjoy some time away together making memories of their own. The Speirs, whose son Calum died of an inoperable brain tumour in 2007, will set sail from Barbados on MS Arvia on a 14 day jaunt round the Caribbean with stops in St Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, the Virgin Islands, Antigua and Saint Maarten. The family, who had picked up a Special Recognition Award earlier in the night from actor David Hayman and presenter Jean Johansson couldn't hide their astonishment when the announcement was heralded by a troupe of colourful Caribbean dancers and steel drummers. Caroline, said: 'As if winning a Pride of Scotland Special Recognition award wasn't enough already. We were shocked and absolutely astounded when our faces were revealed on the big screen. We are blown away and still can't believe it. A big thank you to P&O Cruises.'
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hollywood actor Brian Cox leads tributes to Pride of Scotland's unsung heroes
Stars reveal why they loved taking a backseat to award winners at 2025 People's Oscars IT was a night of celebration, camaraderie and rousing applause for life-affirming examples of heroism and dedication to others. The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises saw a host of stars turn out to recognise the courage and selfless determination shown by the nation's unsung heroes. Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the glittering event at Glasgow's Hilton was an uplifting Celebrities including Succession star Brian Cox, Gladiator Sheli McCoy and footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland were queuing up to sing the praises of the inspirational winners of our 'People's Oscars.' Here is just a selection of the warm words they shared on the night. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney hailed cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy as Scotland's Champion. He said: 'Sir Chris is an absolute sporting legend who has achieved so much but then in the face of adversity has demonstrated the strength and resolve which is of course so characteristic of all of the Pride of Scotland winners.' Scotland and Napoli footballer said of Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop: 'You'll never see her without a smile. I went and visited her and she played the guitar for me. I left the hospital in tears because of how happy she was. It was amazing to see. She is the bravest and strongest young woman I have ever met.' Succession star and acting legend Brian Cox said he was moved by shopkeepers Asiyah and Jawad Javed who are right at the heart of their community in Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk. He said: 'What an amazing couple. Scotland's sense of community is what keeps this nation great. This evening has been totally overwhelming.' Game of Throne's star James Cosmo honoured King's Trust Young Achiever Shane Lee, 26, who has autism and has landed his dream job in Marks & Spencers, said: 'What a wonderful young man who has overcome so many obstacles in his young life and is going to achieve so much more.' Sheli McCoy said she was blown away by Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, seven, who ran 100 miles to raise money to buy his little brother a wheelchair. She said: 'Theo's selflessness took my breath away. The bond he shares with Jude is heartwarming. He is such an incredible boy.' Rangers Jack Butland also praised the bighearted schoolboy, who he presented with a signed goalie shirt. He said: 'Being a footballer is great but getting to be here to honour someone as special as Theo means the world. What an amazing young man.' Comedian Al Murray said Outstanding Bravery winner Stewart Miller, who jumped into the River Tay to save a stranger who had got into trouble during a storm, was a remarkable human being. He said: 'Such an amazing man who maintains he wasn't doing anything special which makes him even more extraordinary - my bowels would have turned to water at the thought.' Star Wars actor Denis Lawson said he was in awe of 'Vape Crusader' Laura Young who got a Special Recognition award for her campaign that led to a ban on selling disposable vapes in Scotland. He said: 'It's extraordinary what Laura has achieved from a standing start all on her own. To think the USA, Canada and Ireland are now considering all considering following suit is gobsmacking.' STV newsreader Kelly-Ann Woodland also praised the young campaigner. She said: 'What Laura has achieved is incredible. She has managed to force a change in the law which will have a positive impact on both the nation and the planet.' Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan was taken aback by the Ups and Downs Theatre Group who won the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. She said: 'They just bring the joy. You can't help but smile when you hear them perform. What talent, what wholesomeness, what sparkle!' Wellerman singer Nathan Evans was also a big fan of the Ups and Downs who belted out a song from The Greatest Showman live on stage. He said: 'Their enthusiasm and passion is incredible and I feel privileged to have been asked to present their well-deserved award.' Eastenders star Laurie Brett lauded King's Trust Young Achiever Ashleigh, 28, who attended the event with her trainee assistance dog Blu and helps deliver mental health training to frontline workers. Laurie said: 'Ashleigh brings so much positivity to the world. She should be running the country. What an inspiring girl who has refused to let the dark times define her.' Singing legend Susan Boyle added: 'Ashleigh should be really proud of herself and all she has achieved and as for Blu - that dog is something special.' Hailing the Speirs family, who run the cancer charity Calum's Cabin in memory of their son who passed away in 2007, Trial and Retribution star David Hayman said: 'The Speirs are truly inspirational. To have overcome that grief and gone on to build a legacy in Calum's name is awe inspiring. They deserve all the credit in the world.' A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson added: 'Caroline, Duncan and Jenna are three of the nicest people I have ever met and Calum lives on in them and the work that they do.' Scot Squad star Grady praised the four Dunfermline shop workers who tackled an armed robber. He said: 'Only in Scotland would you get folk who would have a square go with a man with a gun. The CCTV footage of them all coming together to tackle the robber is like something out of a movie. All four of them are pure, dead, brilliant.' - Watch the Pride of Scotland winners' stories at: from Friday 27th June
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tasha Ghouri gives update on love life as she rules out dating shows
Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has revealed whether she would be open for a stint on Love Island All Stars or Celebs Go Dating after her split from Andrew Le Page Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri has shared whether she'd be open to more celebrity dating shows. It comes following the news earlier this year that she had separated from Andrew Le Page, who she met on the ITV2 show. Talking about doing a presenting course at the TRIC Awards in London tonight, Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha, 26, said she'd rather focus on that side of her career. "It's not for me personally," Tasha said about the possibility of seeing her on Love Island: All Stars or Celebs Go Dating. She added: "I know people find love on these shows but my dating shows are closed. I'm going down a different path now. It's something I'm really passionate about. I'm happily single but I'm open to love. I'd love a family." Tasha rose to fame on Love Island in 2022, where she found love with former partner Andrew, now 30. The former couple, who reached the final of the show, later split after more than two and a half years together. The reality TV star was the first deaf contestant on the show and uses a cochlear implant to help her hear. She was born deaf and received the implant, which is a small electronic device, when she was five years old. Talking about her meteoric rise since the ITV2 show, she shared how she deals with the stress. "The past few years have been a whirlwind," she admits. "Sometimes I listen to music, other times I take my cochlear out and enjoy the silence. I'm very lucky to have that, it's a beautiful thing." The self confessed adrenaline junkie says she got something wild she needs to tick off her bucket list though. "I want to try ski diving," she said excitedly whilst at the awards ceremony. "I'd love to throw myself out of a plane." Tasha's comments at the TRIC Awards tonight come after a previous update on her personal life whilst at the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises last month. She spoke to the Mirror on the red carpet of the event in May. At the time, Tasha told us that she was "doing okay" when asked about her split from Andrew. She shared whilst on the red carpet of that event just over a month ago: "You know, break ups aren't easy for anybody to go through." She went on to say that she looks back on the relationship in a positive way. Tasha said: "I had a great two and a half years with Andrew. I look back with a positive smile on my face because we had great memories together." Tasha further commented whilst a guest at the BAFTAs: "Sometimes it just doesn't work out and that's all that happened and I wish him the best. I'm just moving forward now." She said at the time that her "dating book is closed for now" and dismissed the prospect of doing a show like Celebs Go Dating. Instead, she said on the red carpet last month that her focus was on herself for the time being.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland 2025: Meet the incredible heroes being honoured at tonight's star studded event
Scotland's unsung heroes will receive their awards at a spectacular ceremony this evening Forget the Baftas and the Brits, when it comes to awards ceremonies, tonight's Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises is the hottest ticket in town. Our People's Oscars will honour the nation's unsung heroes - ordinary people quietly living extraordinary lives and making a difference in their communities. From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, our country is packed to the rafters with incredible folk who have done amazing things that deserve to be celebrated. Here are the 12 inspirational 2025 winners HERO SHOPWORKERS: BOB BELL, CHERYL GOURLAY, AISHA JAVID & USMAN JAVID, Dunfermline, Fife Shop workers tackled an armed robber who threatened them with a gun during a terrifying raid on a convenience store. Last June a masked man burst into the Nisa Local store in Abbeyview, Dunfermline, brandishing a handgun and demanding all the cash in the till. He pointed the pistol in the face of post office worker Cheryl Gourlay, 43, who refused to give him the money prompting him to climb over the counter and force her out of the way. Quick thinking shop worker Bob Bell, 34, leapt into action, jumping over the counter, grabbing the robber and hitting him on the head before restraining him. Hearing the commotion shop owners Aisha Javid, 55, and her son Usman, 35, rushed to help Bob and together they managed to bring the gunman to the floor and disarm him of the gun and a knife he had concealed in his clothes. Cheryl said: 'It happened so fast that I didn't know what was going on. I didn't really have time to think about it. Maybe I should have just let him take the money because there wasn't much in there but my instincts kicked in and I just wanted to protect the shop.' Aisha added: 'It all just happened so fast, my fight or flight reaction kicked in. I grabbed the gun because I knew I needed to get it away from him. I wasn't thinking anything other than how dare you come into my shop. 'You don't know what you'll do until you're in that position and I was more concerned about the staff than myself - Cheryl put her life on the line. 'She should have just given him the money but she didn't. Then Bob came and we both tackled him and got him down on the floor and kept him there until the police came and arrested him.' Robert Danskin was later jailed for seven years for attempted robbery with an imitation firearm. Sentencing him at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Scott told him: "Those in the shop who faced you and stopped you from succeeding in this robbery had no way of knowing that the gun was not real. They acted despite how terrifying a situation you created." STEWART MILLER, Perth Tayside plumber risked his life during killer storm Isha to save a woman from drowning in the River Tay. Stewart, 53, was walking his golden retriever Troy near the banks of the River Tay in Perth last January, when he heard cries for help coming from the water. A woman was in the river, clinging to a tree in the middle of the fast-flowing current. Stewart ran to his van to fetch some rope, but soon realised the woman was too weak to pull herself to safety, he called 999 and was urged by police not to go into the water. But after seeing how much the woman was struggling, he ignored the advice and swam out to her. He pulled her out of the river, and safely back to a log near the shore. He said: 'It was a really stormy night and I was wanting to get back inside but Troy kept barking at the water. I heard what I thought was a lamb but when I looked again it was a lady clinging to a branch .'I phoned the police and they told me not to get into the water but I had no choice. If I hadn't gone in then she wouldn't be here. 'Troy and I both went into the water and swam out to her. She got a hold of me but we both went under. All I could think was 'What have I done?' But I finally managed to swim us back to the embankment and sat her down.' Stewart added: 'It was lucky I was there and I was able to do what I did. Was it stupid? Aye, a wee bit but I would do it again, I wasn't going to stand by when she was in danger. 'The woman was taken to hospital and made a full recovery. Stephen Leckie, Lord-lieutenant of Perth & Kinross said: 'The Tay can be a very dangerous place, especially during a storm. There were so many variables that night; had Stewart not been there, had he not followed his gut, had he not acted so quickly it could have been a very different story. "The level of bravery he displayed is to be expected from our emergency services but certainly not in everyday life. He risked his own life to save another and that is something to be very proud of.' EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD NORMAN MACLEOD, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Coastguard winch paramedic braved storms to drop solo onto a ship where two sailors had suffered horrifying injuries. Stornoway Coastguard received an urgent call to assist the Spanish super trawler Lodario in November 2023. Two crew members on board had suffered life-threatening injuries after getting entangled in the ship's industrial-scale cable reels. One had severe leg wounds and the other was still trapped. Arriving above the ship within an hour, the crew faced extreme weather conditions and rough seas. Winchman Norman 'Nam' MacLeod, along with his 30kg first response bag, was lowered from a 200 foot weighted line onto the deck. The scene that awaited him was horrific. One man had already lost a leg, and the other had suffered catastrophic injuries to both of his. Norman, 55, said: 'I've been a paramedic for almost 30 years, and this was the most challenging scene I've ever dealt with." Hampered by the conditions and language barrier, Norman administered emergency treatment on board. He said: 'The first guy's leg was ripped out. I applied haemostatic gauze which has a property on it that encourages blood clotting. The second casualty needed special tourniquets to both legs to stop the bleeding'. Norman spent an hour on the ship tending to the men before two stretchers were sent down from the helicopter to lift them to safety, with Norman accompanying each transfer. During the flight to Western Isles Hospital, Norman and his fellow crew member John Carrigan had to carry out emergency treatment to keep the two men alive. The second man subsequently lost both his legs but Norman said: 'They both survived which is the main thing.' Winch operator John said: 'In situations like that, you can only hope you've got someone experienced in your crew. Although traumatic, what Nam did that day was some feat of bravery, and we're extremely proud to have him on our team.' TEENAGER OF COURAGE GEORGIE HYSLOP, 16, from Ardrossan, Ayrshire Inspirational cancer patient has channelled her energy into helping others and raised an incredible £51,000 despite her condition. In December 2023, when she was just 15-years-old Georgie went to the doctor with leg pain and they initially thought it was a stress fracture. The fracture wasn't healing and, after an MRI and CT scan, she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma - a rare cancer which occurs in the bones or in the soft tissue around them. Determined not to let cancer get the better of her, Georgie immediately looked to help others by agreeing to donate her tissue to Cancer Research and vowing to fundraise. In the months after her diagnosis she raised more than £15,000 for the Schiehallion Ward at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Marion's House. Throughout her treatment, which included 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation, Georgie never stopped thinking of ways to help others and continued to organise family fundays, raffles and a ball. During her time at Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Georgie would give out 'pocket hugs' to the other patients who were waiting on scans or treatment, and even dressed up as SpiderMan to cheer up a four-year-old receiving radiation treatment. In July 2024, Georgie was given the news she was in remission but earlier this year scans revealed her cancer had returned. Despite the cruel twist of fate, the smiley schoolgirl is continuing to raise money for others and to date has raised more than £51,000. Georgie, who is hoping to start an acting course in September, said: 'The survival rates for Ewing Sarcoma are single digits but I've always said I will be one of those digits. I don't see why I can't be. 'At one point I was told I might lose my leg but I just said then I'll get a blade and I will go to the Olympics and if I do lose it in the future I can just cut one leg off my jeans. 'My main aim is to help others going through the same thing. Hospital can be a scary place so I just wanted to find a way to make the experience a little better by either fundraising or raising a smile.' She added: 'Yes my cancer has returned but you just have to keep going. I have lots of fundraising planned and lots to look forward to.' Georgie's mum Lynn said: 'Throughout all of the ups and downs Georgie has remained so positive and hasn't stopped fundraising. To be told that she was no longer in remission was a big deal but Georgie being Georgie took control of the situation, gave herself a buzz cut and just carried on. She is a true inspiration and we are in awe of her courage.' YOUNG FUNDRAISER THEO HARDIE, seven, from Falkirk Unstoppable seven year-old took on the challenge of running 100 miles in the hopes of raising funds for his little brother Jude's first wheelchair. Theo's little brother Jude was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and has undergone a series of operations. Although healthy, he has limited use of his legs. Wanting to help and support his brother, Theo, then aged five, decided to start his own challenge to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. Starting in April 2023, he aimed to cycle a total of 100 miles to and from nursery every day to raise £1,000 for the charity. Smashing his target, Theo managed to raise a total of £2,043. In 2024, spurred on by his love for his brother, Theo decided to set himself an even bigger challenge - running 100 miles in 50 days or less. Upset that two year-old Jude couldn't join in playing in the garden with him and other children, Theo told his mum that he wanted to raise funds to buy Jude a wheelchair so he could play alongside him. This time Theo raised £1,060, more than double his target, and purchased a tiny wheelchair so Jude can zoom along beside him. Theo said: 'Jude couldn't move around and I wanted him to be able to play outside with me so I wanted to buy a wheelchair for him. 'The running was tougher than the cycle. I just told myself 'Keep running, keep running. When we got to order the wheelchair that was great as now my brother can finally have a chance to have fun.' Theo's mum Taylor said: 'It was all his idea, we never brought it up or pushed him to do anything, We are just so incredibly proud of Theo and touched so many people donated.' P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD UPS & DOWNS THEATRE GROUP Theatre group for children and young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings which has been making a difference for three decades This inspirational and fun-filled group is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Around 70 young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings come together every Sunday to share their passion for music, theatre and dance. The group was formed in 1995 by three music teachers who worked at an additional needs school and recognised that young people with Down's Syndrome had a particular musicality and love for theatre. As well as performing, members forge friendships, learn about teamwork, build resilience and develop vital life skills. The group also offers camaraderie and support to families. Each March, the family-led group put on a week of sell-out concerts to show off their sensational talent and promote the positive side of Down's syndrome. Ups and Downs President Lorna Leggatt, whose son Ellis, 26, has been a member of the group since he was five, said: "Young people with Down's syndrome can be funny, frail, musical, mischievous, wilful and witty - just like everyone else. 'They are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams and, above all, they love to sing and dance. Ups and Downs allows them to show off their passion and they thrive on it.' Ellis added: 'I love performing with the Ups and Downs. We have so much fun. They are my family and I love them all.' Over the years the company has amassed a host of celebrity fans including Paolo Nutini who came with his family to watch the show and Callum Beattie, who is a patron of the charity, and has been performing at their shows for the last four years. Callum has also asked the group to open for him at the OVO Hydro in November. SPECIAL RECOGNITION ASIYAH & JAWAD JAVED, from Stenhousemuir near Falkirk Local shopkeepers have donated more than £100,000 of food and medical assistance to people in their community since the pandemic. Jawad, 39, and Asiyah, 38, who bought A&J Alloa Road Shop in Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk, eight years ago, started their community outreach during lockdown. But even as the world has returned to normal, the pair have not stopped helping their community, and are still going strong five years later. Mum-of-three Asiyah said: "When the pandemic hit we had been saving for a family holiday to take our children to Florida. We couldn't go so we used the money we had saved to order quite a lot of hand gel, face masks and wipes which we gave to our NHS worker customers and the vulnerable in our community.' Jawad said: "The local hospital was also struggling to get access to a lot of the same stuff, so we ordered over 10,000 bottles of hand gel and face masks and donated them all to them. "In total we wound up spending around £35,000 supporting the community around that time.' Now the pandemic is over, Jawad and Asiyah focus on helping people in need and supporting four local care homes. They deliver food to elderly customers and hundreds of Easter eggs and boxes of chocolates to the care homes. Asiyah said: 'Once the pandemic was over we found ourselves looking for other ways to give back to the community and keep the momentum going. 'We now deliver food to our elderly customers and bring local care homes Easter eggs and boxes of chocolates at Christmas. 'Those in the care homes often can't be with family at Easter and Christmas, so we just like to cheer them up a bit and let them know that they are appreciated." SPECIAL RECOGNITION THE SPEIRS FAMILY, Rothesay, Isle of Bute Built a network of holiday homes and flats in memory of their son Calum, supporting the families of more than 3000 children with cancer. When their son and Jenna's twin brother Calum died of an inoperable brain tumour in 2007 aged just 12, his parents and sister were determined to fulfil his dying wish - building a holiday home where other families of children diagnosed with cancer could spend time and create precious memories. Calum's Cabin, complete with a stained glass window of Calum's favourite hobbies, was opened in 2009 and Calum's mum, Caroline, 58, dad Duncan, 63 and twin sister Jenna, 30, have gone on to set up six more holiday homes across Scotland. In 2017, ten years after Calum died, they opened their first flat in Glasgow where families can stay while their child receives cancer treatment in hospital, and home is hundreds of miles away. They now have 12 flats, and through their charity, the Speirs family support 220 families every year, and in total have helped more than 3,000. As well as a warm comfortable place to stay, the family pay for their utilities, provide food and other needs so they can concentrate on being there for their sick child. Jenna, who says she lost half of herself when her twin passed away, works as a Therapeutic Radiographer so she can give her own support to families as they go through the most difficult time of their lives. She said: 'I'm now a radiographer because of Calum, and he pushes me to be a better version of myself in every way - I just ran the London Marathon for him and Calum's Cabin, and I'm not even a big runner. 'Calum was an inspiration to me and everyone who knew him, and he thought of others right until the end. I've lost count of the number of people who have asked their child where in the world they'd like to go after treatment finishes, their little one replies, 'Calum's Cabin'. They are offered the world and they want to come to Bute – how magical is that.' Caroline added: 'We love what we do and we love knowing that Calum is with us every step of the way. Even when we have days that don't go to plan, we know it's just Calum playing one of his tricks on us and say 'Calum's having a right laugh today' - he was a wee joker. LAURA YOUNG, Troon, South Ayrshire 'Vape Crusader' is the driving force behind the successful campaign to ban the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland. Laura's remarkable crusade started when she spotted a discarded vape while walking her dog. She said: 'I picked it up like any other piece of litter and went on with my day. But then I kept finding them everywhere and after a few weeks, I looked into what these devices were, and why I was seeing so many of them.' What she discovered appalled her. As well as being made of single-use plastic, the devices littering Scotland's streets also contain a cocktail of chemicals which are harmful to wildlife and lithium ion batteries, which are a fire risk. There are also health concerns about e-cigarettes, many with colourful branding and sweet flavours which appeal to teenagers. Laura, 28, a Phd student at Dundee and Abertay Universities, was shocked that nobody seemed to be speaking out on the issue. She said: 'There was no research, petitions, or organisations focussing on the problem. So, that left me with the decision of whether to be the one to start talking.' She used her social media platform, where she is known to 42.9 thousand followers as Less Waste Laura, to highlight the scale of the issue, and began lobbying local politicians, starting in Dundee.' She used her social media platform, where she is known to 42.9 thousand followers as Less Waste Laura, to highlight the scale of the issue, and began lobbying local politicians, starting in her home city, Dundee. After she addressed councillors there, Dundee City Council became the first in Scotland to back calls for a ban. Councils across Scotland followed suit, alongside calls from MSPs and a Daily Record campaign, piling pressure on the government to act, and now, on June 1, 2025, legislation to ban disposable vapes will come into effect. Laura said: 'It makes me so proud to think that Scotland was the starting place for something like this. And since, people from Canada, the US and Ireland have all been in touch about doing the same. 'Looking back now, it was the easiest campaign ever, I had so many people behind me and everyone wanted to get rid of them. It took less than 500 days from starting the campaign to the government actually announcing the ban. 'I'd like to think I could do it again, and I'm now looking towards what campaign I can take on next.' Green MSP Gillian Mackay said: 'Plastic is one of the biggest factor impacting our environment… What Laura managed to achieve in such a short period of time is incredible, the determination she has shown throughout this campaign is a testament to her and should be looked at as an example in years to come. KING'S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER ASHLEIGH LANCASTER, 28 Young woman who is overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse launches new career supporting others. Scottish entrepreneur transforms trauma into purpose Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, has never followed a conventional path and she's proud of it. After experiencing the long-term impact of domestic abuse, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and chronic health conditions, Ashleigh was forced to leave her job in community care. Ashleigh found a lifeline through The King's Trust. The charity supported her both personally and professionally, helping her rebuild her self-confidence and shape a new path forward. In 2023, Ashleigh received a grant through The King's Trust's Enterprise Programme and went on to launch 'Lancaster Solutions' in 2024. Trained to deliver mental health first aid training, Ashleigh was inspired by her own experience of how frontline responders often lacked the compassion needed to handle trauma. Drawing on this, her business aimed to bridge that gap. However, as the business grew, so did the demands on her health. When ongoing health challenges meant stepping back, Ashleigh made the difficult but courageous decision to pause her business and prioritise her wellbeing – a bold and honest move rooted in growth and self-awareness. Now, Ashleigh is retraining as an assistance dog trainer. The new direction honours her physical and emotional needs while allowing her to continue supporting others with complex health conditions. The choice was inspired by the life-saving bond with her own assistance dog, Blu. Despite the weight of what she was carrying, Ashleigh refused to stay silent. She has become a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Her lived experience fuels her work to improve how the justice system responds to coercive control, stalking, inadequate sentencing and breaches of Non-Harassment Orders, all of which directly impact the safety and wellbeing of those facing gender-based violence. She used her voice to challenge systems that often fail those most in need. Her advocacy has reached the highest levels of government. Ashleigh's case is currently with the Justice Secretary who has issued an official acknowledgement and apology, showing that her voice is being heard. KING'S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER SHANE LEE, 26, Dundee Young man with autism has landed his dream job at Marks & Spencers and is a hit with customers and staff. Shane, 26, who lives with his gran and brother, has gone from believing he would never be ready for the world of work to finding his vocation working as front of house in a busy M&S in Dundee. Being on the autism spectrum, he was worried that his condition meant he would never have the confidence or team working skills needed to hold down a job. Shane is also a carer for his older brother, who has Cerebral palsy, and worried that employment might limit how much he would be able to help with his sibling. But he decided to make the leap out of his comfort zone and signed up with The King's Trust who were offering an employability programme with M&S. Despite reservations due to his lack of previous work experience, Shane convinced his caseworker that he was ready and was put onto a taster day where he blew King's Trust staff and M&S management away with his enthusiasm and positive attitude. Shane was granted a place on the four-week course where his incredible customer service skills made him a favourite with shop regulars and at the end of the course he was offered a contract. He said: 'A few years ago, I never imagined I could get a job. I have autism, so I thought I wouldn't have the confidence or the skills needed to do a job justice 'I knew I could take on responsibility because I help out my Gran and brother at home - with the cooking or cleaning and things like that. Still it just seemed like without the right skills for the workplace, no one was interested in me. But I was very determined and now I have my dream job. He added: 'I'm just so proud of myself and how far I've come. I really appreciate everything The King's Trust and M&S have done for me. I know that my family are proud of me, and that means so much.' SCOTLAND'S CHAMPION SIR CHRIS HOY One of Britain's all-time greatest sporting heroes, whose courage and dignity in the face of terminal cancer have inspired the nation. From the moment he was inspired to ride a bike aged six, after seeing the flying BMX scene in ET, it was clear Chris Hoy had talent. Within a year he was winning BMX races, eventually becoming one of the top teenage riders in Europe. Switching to track cycling, he was tipped for a glittering future by coaches, and he fulfilled their predictions with a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. It was the start of a medal-laden, record-breaking run of success, as he helped to transform the British cycling team from also-rans to a sporting powerhouse. He won Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, and four years later in Beijing, became the first British man to win three golds at a single Olympic Games in more than a century. Two more golds at London 2012 saw him become Britain's most decorated Olympian of all time. But there was much more than simple natural talent behind his extraordinary success. Staying at the top of one of the most gruelling, physically demanding sports for more than a decade required unbelievable reserves of determination, courage, grit and inner strength. These have all been qualities that he has relied on once again, following his terminal cancer diagnosis. And alongside that strength there has been a truly inspirational degree of optimism and positivity, that has shone like a beacon of hope. "You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process," he said. "You remind yourself, aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible." Sir Chris Hoy may have achieved greatness on the cycle track, but he has demonstrated that greatness every day since. He is truly Scotland's Champion. Article continues below - Catch all the red carpet drama in tomorrow's Daily Record - You can catch all the red carpet action on the Pride of Scotland Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page from 5.30pm tomorrow night
