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Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Unsung heroes honoured by celebrities at glittering Pride of Scotland Awards
Hollywood star Brian Cox, Love Island winner Paige Turley and the First Minister were among the big names who joined us in Glasgow tonight to celebrate our unsung heroes Glasgow rolled out the red carpet this evening to celebrate Scotland 's remarkable unsung heroes with a touch of showbiz sparkle. A constellation of celebs from music, sports, and television world including Deputy First Minister John Swinney assembled at Glasgow Hilton to toast to our inspiring Pride of Scotland Award recipients. Love Island breakout star Paige Turley was spotted looking stunning as she and Saint Phnx frontman Stevie Jukes took on interviewing duties, catching a moment with the glamorous attendees as they arrived. Paige, who shone in her sparkly black sequin dress, expressed: "This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition." She further revealed her excitement about the event saying: "As a judge I already know the winners' stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.", reports the Daily Record. Stevie, equally dashing in his velvet jacket and dickie bow, commented: "The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal." He then reflected on the true stars of the night stating: "But what the unsung heroes don't realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater." The ceremony saw the likes of host Elaine C Smith, Scottish Gladiator Sheli McCoy – known as Sabre, cherished singer Susan Boyle, Eastenders icon Laurie Brett, Strictly sensation Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island's Laura Anderson, and TV personalities Amy Irons and Jean Johansson lighting up the venue with their presence. Hollywood heavyweight Brian Cox, Star Wars icon Denis Lawson, Game of Thrones veteran James Cosmo, football stars Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, telly host Sanjeev Kohli, funnyman Al Murray, and DJ George Bowie donned their finest for the glitziest bash of the year – yet it was the unsung heroes who truly stole the show at the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with P&O Cruises. The ceremony honoured 12 remarkable individuals across eight categories, celebrating everything from extraordinary acts of courage to phenomenal charity fundraising efforts. One of the loudest ovations of the evening was for Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, aged seven, who embarked on a 100-mile run to fund his brother Jude's wheelchair. Theo was over the moon receiving his accolade from his idols, Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy, better known as Sabre the Gladiator. Sheli expressed her admiration: "I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible." Special Recognition awardees Asiyah and Jawad Javed were thrilled to rub shoulders with Succession star Brian Cox, who commended the couple for their invaluable community service. Brian praised their efforts, saying: "What an amazing display of community spirit." Stewart Miller, who won the Outstanding Bravery award for his daring rescue of a woman from the River Tay during a deadly storm, was presented his trophy by his favourite comedian, Al Murray. His loyal pooch Troy, who sounded the alarm over a woman in danger, was honoured with a special bravery dog tag. Al stated: "Stewart is such a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn't been there he might not have noticed her plight." Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who confronted an armed robber, shared giggles on stage with the cast of BBC's popular show Scots Squad. Napoli and Scotland football ace Billy Gilmour gave Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, a fantastic surprise, acknowledging her efforts to raise more than £51,000 for charity amidst her personal battle with cancer. Billy, touted as one of Scotland's finest on the pitch, commented: "Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself." A joyous highlight of the evening came when the Ups and Downs – winners of the PandO Cruises Inspiration Award – gave a stirring rendition of 'This is Me' from The Greatest Showman. The drama group for youngsters with Down's Syndrome and their siblings leapt up in exhilaration as they received their honour from Strictly's Dr Punam Krishan, crooner Nathan Evans, and Corrie's Liam Bairstow. Nathan remarked: "The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat." Laura Young, dubbed the "Vape Crusader" for her pivotal role in advocating for a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was celebrated with a Special Recognition award. Coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who heroically descended onto a ship amidst storms to aid two severely injured sailors, was thrilled to be honoured by JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity expressed his admiration, saying: "I'm in awe of Norman's composure under pressure." King's Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, battling past domestic abuse to educate front line workers on mental health, and Shane Lee, 26, an autistic individual who landed his dream role at Marks & Spencer, received well-deserved accolades. Ashleigh's support dog Blu was recognised with a special tag, becoming the second canine to receive such an honour. Jean Johansson delivered a heartfelt homage to the Speirs family, Special Recognition awardees, who have created a network of holiday homes and flats in their son Calum's memory, aiding over 3000 families of children with cancer. The A Place in the Sun host praised the family's remarkable achievements, stating: "This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum." One of the evening's most touching tributes came from Lorraine Kelly, who honoured Scotland's Champion Sir Chris Hoy via video link, remarking: "Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives."
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland's unsung heroes meet celebs at glittering Glasgow event
Tales of courage and charity as inspirational winners earn gratitude of a nation. The stars were out tonight to honour the nation's inspirational unsung heroes at our glittering People's Oscars. Dozens of well-kent faces from music, sport and TV including First Minister John Swinney gathered at the Glasgow Hilton to celebrate our Pride of Scotland Award winners. Love Island's Paige Turley dazzled as she and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes interviewed the myriad of star guests who posed for snaps on the red carpet. Paige, who wore a sparkly black sequin dress said: 'This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition. 'As a judge I already know the winners ' stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.' Stevie, who looked dapper in a velvet jacket and dickie bow, added: "The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal. 'But what the unsung heroes don't realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater. Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did Sheli McCoy, aka Scots Gladiator Sabre, singing legend Susan Boyle, Eastenders actress Laurie Brett, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island's Laura Anderson and presenters Amy Irons and Jean Johansson. Hollywood star Brian Cox, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, Game of Throne's James Cosmo, footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, host Sanjeev Kohli, comedian Al Murray and DJ George Bowie were all suited and booted for the biggest night of the year - but really all eyes were on the men, women and kids who were being honoured for their part in making our country great. From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, the Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises, recognised 12 winners over eight categories. One of the biggest cheers of the night went to Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, seven, who ran 100 miles to raise money for his little brother Jude's wheelchair. And Theo's face was a picture when he was presented with his award by his heroes Rangers goalie Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator. Sheli said: 'I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible.' Special Recognition recipients Asiyah and Jawad Javed were delighted to meet Succession legend Brian Cox who hailed the shopkeepers for the role they play in their community. The Braveheart star said: 'What an amazing display of community spirit.' Outstanding Bravery winner Stewart Miller, who risked his life during a killer storm to save a woman from drowning in the River Tay, was given his award by his favourite comedian - Al Murray. His dog Troy, who alerted him to the woman's distress, also received a special bravery dog tag. Al said: 'Stewart is such a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn't been there he might not have noticed her plight.' Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who tackled an armed robber, enjoyed a laugh on stage with the cast of BBC hit show Scots Squad. Napoli and Scotland footballer Billy Gilmour and surprised Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, who has raised more than £51,000 for others during her battle with cancer. Billy, who is considered one of Scotland's best players, said: 'Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself.' One of the most uplifting moments of the night was when P&O Cruises Inspiration Award winners - the Ups and Downs - performed 'This is Me' from The Greatest Showman. The theatre group for young people with Down's Syndrome and their siblings jumped with joy when they were honoured on stage by Strictly's Dr Punam Krishan, singer Nathan Evans and Corrie actor Liam Bairstow. Nathan said: 'The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat.' Special Recognition winner 'Vape Crusader' Laura Young, who is the driving force behind the successful campaign to ban the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was also lauded. Emergency Services hero, coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who braved storms to drop solo onto a ship where two sailors had suffered horrifying injuries, was over the moon to receive his award from JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly star said: 'I'm in awe of Norman's composure under pressure.' King's Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, who is overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse and set up a business education front line workers about mental health and Shane Lee, 26, who has autism and secured his dream job in Marks & Spencers were also saluted. Ashleigh's assistance dog Blu became the second four-legged hero to be honoured with a special tag. Jean Johansson paid an emotional tribute to Special Recognition winners the Speirs family who built a network of holiday homes and flats in memory of their son Calum and have supported the families of more than 3000 children with cancer. The A Place in the Sun presenter said: 'This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum.' One of the most poignant moments was when Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Scotland's Champion Sir Chris Hoy via VT. She said: 'Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives.' The winners, who were entertained by BGT finalist Vinnie McKee partied into the wee small hours with the stars. Discover what the winners and the stars had to say in tomorrow's Daily Record Watch the Pride of Scotland winners' stories at: from Friday 27th June. To donate to Sir Chris Hoy's cycle challenge go to To book tickets to Brian Cox's new play at Dundee Rep go to
STV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Motherwell FC lead tributes to seven-year-old who died following lung transplant
Tributes have been paid across Scotland to a seven-year-old boy from Motherwell who has tragically died just weeks after receiving a lung transplant. Zac Gunn, from Motherwell, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition that affects the heart and lungs. The youngster, who doctors said had always exceeded expectations, received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on May 17. Zac passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, June 9. The seven-year-old, who had been dubbed a 'wee warrior', won over the hearts of his doctors and was awarded the Child of Courage prize at the Pride of Scotland Awards in 2022. With tributes pouring in, his loss has been felt across the country, and a JustGiving page has been set up for those who want to donate money that will go to the Gunn family. Among those paying tribute is Motherwell FC, who confirmed they will be making a significant contribution to the fund. They wrote on their club website: 'Zac Gunn, a devoted young Motherwell supporter, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition impacting the heart and lungs. 'His journey resonated deeply with many, showcasing his incredible courage and inspiring those around him. 'Tragically, Zac passed away earlier this month, and we are reaching out to the broader football community to unite in support of the Gunn family during this difficult time. 'Our goal is to raise sufficient funds to help his parents, Gordon and Ashley, provide Zac with the farewell he truly deserves. 'Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on.' STV News 'Wee warrior' Zac Gunn won the Pride of Scotland Award Staff at Cathedral Primary School remembered Zac as the 'most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy'. A statement from the school read: 'It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I share the news that Zac Gunn passed away on the evening of Monday June 9, surrounded by his mum, dad, and gran. Zac received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital on May 17. 'During his short life, Zac lifted the spirits and brought deep joy to more people than most of us could ever hope to touch in our lifetime. Zac was, quite simply, the most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy I ever encountered and he never failed to live his wee life to the absolute full. 'Zac leaves a huge hole in each of our hearts and in the Cathedral school community. He will be sorely missed. 'We send our sincere condolences to Zac's family, particularly to his mum and dad, big brother and gran, assuring them of our love and prayers at this sad and difficult time. 'There wasn't a more devout wee boy than Zac. We ask Jesus to receive him into his loving arms in heaven, where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering.' The charity AR26 said that Zac's legacy will live on. They wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to share that Zac Gunn, our first AR26 Experience beneficiary and a huge inspiration behind this programme, has passed away. 'The Gunn family have been a huge part of the AR26 journey and Zac's legacy will live on, to know him was to love him – a true inspiration. 'Our thoughts and support are with the Gunn family at this heartbreaking time.' Musical duo Saint Phnx described Zac as a 'true warrior'. They said: 'Our hearts are sore and heavy hearing of the passing of a special young fan. 'Zac Gunn you showed strength like no other – a true warrior who touched the lives of everyone around him with his courage, bravery and light. To his incredible family – our hearts are with you. 'Happy place will forever carry your spirit Zac.' You can donate to Zac's GoFundMe here. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
