THEY are the trio of young heroes who captured the hearts of everyone when they were named Children of Courage at our People’s Oscars
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the heart-wrenching stories of Zac Gunn, four, Mila Sneddon, six, and Keiran Reid, 12, were revealed at the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with TSB.
Their tales of courage, determination and triumph over adversity had everyone reaching for their hankies and bursting with pride at the strength of our nation’s young people.
CHILD OF COURAGE - ZacGunn
THE look of wonder on pint-sized warrior Zac Gunn’s face when Paw Patrol appeared on stage to honour him with his Pride of Scotland award was priceless.
Crimefighting dogs Chase, Rubble, Skye and Marshall joined basketball star Kieron Achara and Olympic curlers Eve Muirhead and Bruce Mouat in honouring the tiny tot with the huge smile, whose life hangs in the balance.
In summer 2019, Zac’s parents were given the news that their son had pulmonary hypertension - a rare, life-limiting condition that affects the heart and lungs - and needed an urgent lung transplant.
If that wasn’t hard enough to bear, they were also told that his donor needs to be under nine-years-old, which means another child will have to die for him to live.
When he was first diagnosed, Zac, from Motherwell, was so poorly, his family were told he might not be with them by Christmas. But this remarkable little boy has surprised everyone with his resilience and attitude to life and his condition.
Sporting legend Kieron, who was visibly moved after meeting Zac, said: “What a wee superstar! There are really no words that can accurately describe his courage and resilience. He’s my MVP.”
Olympic gold medallist Eve added: “Zac deserves all the medals in the world. To show such bravery and determination despite being so ill is awe-inspiring.”
Zac, who carries a pump on his back which administers the IV medicine he needs around the clock to keep his lungs stable, is astounding doctors and specialists with his energy and zest for life.
Mum Ashley said: “When we first went down to Great Ormond Street, doctors said it was the worst case of Pulmonary Hypertension they had ever seen. They could not believe the child who was trying to climb out of his crib was the same child whose results were in front of them. Zac seems to have a special effect on everyone he meets and he deserves to keep on living. He’s a wee warrior and our star.”
He’s impressed some famous faces too - he’s had a hospital kickabout with former England star David Beckham, and become friends with Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay surprised Zac with a video message. He said: “Young man you are only four-years-old and already you have a huge award. Congratulations.”
CHILD OF COURAGE
SPORTS-daft Keiran Reid was left speechless when he received his Child of Courage award from Rangers legend Allan McGregor and TV presenter Eilidh Barbour.
The 12-year-old, from Avoch, on the Black Isle, who honoured after raising thousands for his local RNLI in memory of his fisherman father who was tragically taken by the sea.
Scotland and Gers goalie Allan was also lost for words after hearing Keiran’s tragic story. He said: “For one so young, Keiran has shown remarkable resilience. He lost his dad but has continued to make a difference in his memory and by raising money will helo save other lives.”
Eilidh added: “It’s an honour to be here to celebrate the achievements of such an incredible young man.”
The schoolboy was just six when fisherman Craig, 25, was washed overboard from the trawler Apollo in a gale-force storm off Orkney.
A frantic search involving helicopters, the Kessock Lifeboat and French and American aircraft diverted from a Nato exercise was stood down after nine hours. Three months later, another fishing boat found Craig’s body.
Just weeks after his father’s death, Keiran started raising money for the local rescue team who had searched so tirelessly for his dad .
Five years on, he’s helped to raise £10,000 for the RNLI and when he is old enough he wants to join the volunteer crew who have become like family.
Keiran said: “Fundraising is my way of thanking and remembering my dad, he enjoyed washing cars and I will never forget him. Helping to raise money for my local North Kessock Lifeboat team makes sure he won’t be forgotten. I plan to keep raising money for the RNLI, they have made me more than welcome over the years”
Stan McCrae, operations manager at Kessock Lifeboat Station, said: “The whole crew are very proud of Keiran and his fantastic fundraising.”
The youngster was surprised with a video message from his hero Scotland and Liverpool star Andy Robertson who said: “Keiran deserves this recognition. I am very proud of him and all the fundraising he has done.”
CHILD OF COURAGE
A MYRIAD of stars including Lorraine Kelly, Stephen Mulhern and Love Island’s Paige Turley and Finn Tapp were queuing up to pay tribute to warrior princess Mila Sneddon.
The bubbly schoolgirl stole the heart of the nation when a photo of her kissing her dad through the glass of her kitchen window featured in the Duchess of Cambridge’s photographic lockdown project ‘Hold Still.’
Kate said the poignant image entitled ‘Shielding Mila’ was one of her favourites in her book as it was “powerful” and “told the story of a difficuly time.”
Mila, who was being treated for leukaemia, was separated from her dad Scott, 50, for seven weeks during the country’s first lockdown after he had to go to work and could not risk bringing Covid into the family home.
Since had to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy and despite the gruelling treatment she always has a smile on her face which melts the hearts and inspires everyone she meets. She’s recently finished treatment and been declared cancer-free.
But her bravery continues to inspire others, with the rest of her family, including mum Lynda, 39, and big sister Jodi, 18, fundraising for Blood Cancer UK and pals from school taking part in Race for Life in her honour too.
Presenting Mila with her Pride of Scotland angel Paige said: “The sun just shines out of Mila. You are just drawn to her smile. You would never think she has been through so much. She’s a superstar. I love her.”
In a message TV queen Lorraine said: “Mila has shown such incredible courage and now she is cancer free which is the best news ever. She is such a special little girl.”
TV presenter Stephen Mulhern honoured Mila saying: “Massive congrats on your award. I have heard about all you have been through and how brave you have been. Your family are so proud of you. The Duchess of Cambridge is proud of you. Everyone is proud of you.”
Mila, who has become friends with Kate and has met her twice, said: “I am so excited to be here and meet everyone. It’s a very special night.”
Proud mum Lynda said: “She is our little warrior princess. She has been through so much but she keeps on smiling. She’s a fighter and we are all determined to keep fighting for her.”
- The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB, will broadcast on STV on Tuesday, July 19 at 8pm
