A Newmains man, who used his own money to provide meals for pensioners during lockdown, has been named Citizen of the Year by his fellow villagers.
But Jordan Currie almost missed his big moment at Newmains Gala Day on Saturday – as he had already left the park.
Thankfully friends and family managed to track the 28-year-old down and he was subsequently presented with the award.
“I was absolutely shocked when I found out,” admitted Jordan.
“I didn’t know what to say. It didn’t really sink in until 24 hours afterwards and it’s a real honour.
“I was in the house. I’d already left the park and had received two or three calls and people had to come and get me but we made it!”
During lockdown, Jordan began buying ingredients to make hot soup for pensioners after hearing an elderly man who lives nearby hadn’t eaten for days.
The Good Samaritan set about making soup but didn’t drive so he called on two of his friends – brothers Callum, 23, and Zak Ritchie, 21 – to help deliver it to vulnerable elderly people stuck indoors.
Jordan also set up a fundraising page for other locals to donate.
As well as his work helping the elderly at the height of the pandemic, Jordan is also a member of the local woodland clean-up group.
Newmains Gala Committee member Davy Wilson said Jordan was the unanimous choice of the committee members.
“There is no doubt Jordan deserved it and the number of nominations he got showed that,” said Davy.
“He did a great job during the pandemic and with the Woodland Clean-up Group.
“When we announced the winner Jordan was shocked, he’s quite a shy guy.
“We told his dad so Jordan would definitely be at the park and then we couldn’t find him. We had to send someone out to look for him and thankfully we managed to present the award to him.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson presented Jordan with his award and submitted a motion at the Scottish Parliament congratulating him on his success.
She said: “Everyone had a brilliant time at the Gala day. We were not deterred by the wind!
“It was also a privilege to present the Newmains Citizen of the Year Award to Jordan Currie.
"Jordan prepared and delivered meals for vulnerable residents during the pandemic. He showed compassion when it was most needed and the community was right behind him in fundraising.
"He was rightly recognised for his extraordinary dedication and humanitarian spirit."
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