KEIRAN Reid got the shock of his life when his footballing hero Andy Robertson surprised him with the news he had won a Pride of Scotland Award.
The inspirational teenager was watching the national team being put through their paces at the Oriam Fitness Centre in Edinburgh when the legendary Liverpool defender popped over to speak to him.
Keiran’s jaw hit the floor when Andy approached him and handed him an envelope containing a ticket which declared he was the winner of the Child of Courage Award.
The 12-year-old schoolboy from Avoch, on the Black Isle has raised thousands for his local RNLI in memory of his fisherman father who was tragically taken by the sea.
Keiran said: “I thought I was just going on a day out in Edinburgh with my mum and gran. A car picked us up and took us to a massive sports centre. When we got out we were shown into a training ground.
“I couldn’t believe it when I looked and saw the whole of the Scotland football team on the park being put through their paces by Steven Clark. It was the day before the team played I was gobsmacked.
“We were sitting watching them train when all of a sudden Andy Robertson came walking over and shook my hand. I was so star struck. It was unbelievable and I was so excited to meet somebody so great. The blood was pumping and my heart was thumping. I just didn’t know what to say. I was so amazed.”
He added: “Andy asked who my favourite player was and I told it was him hands down. He laughed and said I didn’t have to say that just because he was there but it’s true. He’s my footballing hero.
“When he told me I had won a Pride of Scotland award I didn’t really take it in and it was only when I was on journey back home that it sunk in.
“He also told me his charity AR26 would be in touch to offer me a life changing treat at the back end of the year. Meeting Andy was the best experience I’ve had in my entire life so far.”
Praising Keiran, Andy Robertson said: “It was so great to meet Keiran at Scotland training. He really deserves this recognition. I’m so proud of all the fundraising he has done.”
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. I will never forget him. Helping to raise money for my local 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.”
His mum Keri-Marie Gibson, 29, said: “Keiran will always have a close connection with the lifeboat guys, which is lovely. His dad’s name has been added to the list of loved ones being remembered on the side of the Invergordon Lifeboat. These are all ways to keep his memory alive for Keiran.”
His gran Miranda Wylie added: “Keiran is the kindest most loveable young lad who would do anything for anyone. I’m so proud of him and the way he has grown up and his dad would be too.”
- The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB, will broadcast on STV on Tuesday, July 19 at 8pm
