And a wee local sheltie is Jewel in the crown!
Two local heroes from the Edinburgh area were crowned winners at the RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes awards ceremony on STV, hosted by Carol Smillie and screened last night.
95 year old Tom Gilzean won the Fundraiser of The Year category. The former Royal Engineer and WWII veteran lost his wife ten years ago and has since spent 363 days a year on the Royal Mile, shaking a can to raise over £400,000 for local charities. No matter whether it is rain or shine, and despite catching pneumonia four times for his efforts, Tom is there with his war medals and his charm.
Tom said: “I am very delighted about winning, and so is my family. This award is for the people of Edinburgh. When I start something I put my mind to it. I will continue to fundraise till the end of the earth, I will never stop – but I will take Christmas Day off to spend with my family.”
The Hero Animal of The Year category was won by Shetland-cross pony Jewel, the heart and soul of Balerno’s Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled Group. His small size and placid nature makes him perfect for nervous riders and those who come to the centre with physical or learning disabilities. Jewel’s short legs also mean he is ideal for riders with autism as the lower height allows them to maintain eye contact with their instructor, giving them focus and confidence.
Joan Alexander, Group Coach at Ravelrig RDA, said: “We’re absolutely delighted at Ravelrig RDA that Jewel’s long service and commitment has been acknowledged by the viewers at STV. Jewel was born at Ravelrig and over the years he has literally helped hundreds of young people and adults alike. Just being around Jewel helps so many people and we hope that his award can help raise the profile of the essential work we do here at Ravelrig.”
Community heroes from across Scotland were recognised at the awards ceremony, where 11 awards were handed out by famous faces, including actor Clare Grogan, Taggart star Alex Norton, and TV present Jackie Brambles to Scots who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in their local area.
Earlier this year, the Scottish public were asked to nominate friends, neighbours, groups and animals who they thought deserved to be recognised and the judging panel revealed a shortlist of nominees after an overwhelming response. Each week six nominees in two categories were showcased for the RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes series in which the viewers were invited to vote for the candidate they believed most deserved to collect an award.
Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: Congratulations to Tom and Jewel at Ravelrig RDA for being crowned winners at the RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroesawards. The STV series has been a fantastic celebration of people in our communities who go the extra mile to improve the lives of others. The awards ceremony was a truly befitting way to reward and recognize the hard work of these inspirational Real Heroes.”
RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes is sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said: “I’d like to personally congratulate Tom, Jewel at Ravelrig RDAand all the other category winners from this year’s RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes series. The calibre of nominations STV received this year was exceptionally high so to have been chosen as the winners from amongst so many worthy and inspirational finalists is no mean feat. The awards ceremony was a truly humbling experience and everyone at The Royal Bank of Scotland is proud to have been able to play a part in recognising Scotland’s unsung Real Heroes.”
The full list of category winners is as follows:
Overall Winner and winner of the category, ‘Community Champion of Year’
John O’Byrne from Bellahouston in Glasgow
Hero Mum/Dad of the Year
Joe and Betty Middleton from Bathgate, West Lothian
Carer of the Year
East Kilbride Dementia Carers Group
Young Real Hero of the Year
Lee Falconer from Maryhill in Glasgow
Neighbour of the Year
Donna Fitzpatrick from Fullarton, Irvine
Fundraiser of the Year
Tom Gilzean from Edinburgh
RBS Community Project of the Year
Paragon Music, Glasgow
Sporting Volunteer of the Year
Janice Millar from Darvel East Ayrshire
Hero Animal of the Year
Jewel the Pony from Ravelrig RDA in Balerno, Midlothian
Scotland’s Real Heroes Courage Award
Paul Surgeon from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Watch videos of all the nominated finalists here.
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