Diced Cap Good Samaritan Awards 2007 22nd Feb 2007 Another Wonderful Evening! Compered by Gordon Townson (Chairman) Music on the night was performed by: Grampian Police Pipe Band Phil Duncan The Seasons The Lynch Mob

This year's Diced Cap Good Samaritan Awards took place at the recently opened and very impressive Holiday Inn Aberdeen West, Westhill Whilst the venue changed this emotive event has not. With another powerful list of recipients whose stories of courage and selflessness are so very humbling! Click Here for Photos of The Evening Supplied by Newsline Scotland

These awards now in their fifth year are not a competition to say anyone is best but merely to recognise some of the excellent work that goes on and how some people carry on so bravely and achieve so much in the face of adversity. We are always keen to recognise good citizenship and the awards over the years have also proved an efficient vehicle to allow Diced Cap to cause positive awareness of a number of diversity issues.

Recipients of this year's Good Samaritan Awards were:

BALMEDIE PRIMARY SCHOOL whose good hearted pupils and staff show great examples of good citizenship. So admirable are their constant and appropriate efforts towards inclusion and in raising monies in a variety of ways to help purchase a motorised mobility chair for fellow pupil, brave 5 year old Sophie Jamieson who is unable to walk due to the rare condition of 'Caudal Regression Syndrome' having only half a spine and an associated bowel disorder.

The Diced Cap Cycle 'Cape' For Sophie in June 2006 a total of 75 miles from Braemar to Balmedie by Diced Cap Trustees was inspired by the pupils' previous efforts. The cycle raised monies for on going maintenance and upgrading / sizing of Sophie's chair. A cheque was presented by Lauren Welsh, Cape Public Relations Officer, herself a former pupil of Balmedie Primary.  

DEREK GOLDER formerly a Detective Inspector with Grampian Police who made admirable efforts to rebuild his life following post operative recovery from a brain tumour and related critical illness and in raising in excess of £13,000 for 'Brain Injury Grampian Group' and 'Momentum'. All this accomplished whilst he and his family also endured the sad loss of his daughter Joanne's boyfriend Mike, in May 2005, ironically as a result of a brain tumour condition.  

THE CHEYNE FAMILY Ian Cheyne has shown great strength of character in surviving a traumatic fire injury and the aftermath of mental and physical pain. He has successfully rebuilt his life thanks to the constant support of his wife Sandra, son Paul and daughter Vicky who likewise have shown great fortitude throughout a very difficult journey.

CAPTAIN KEVIN POPE has shown great determination and fortitude in rebuilding his life and resettling his family in Scotland following dramatic displacement from Zimbabwe and the ensuing very difficult period. Amidst personal trauma he is still willing to give of himself and bare his soul delivering highly informative and emotive lectures on the subject affording his audiences a greater global awareness.

CONSTABLE ALI LYON in the twilight years of his career has shown bravery and selflessness in joining the Gay Police Association and becoming coordinator / liaison officer for Grampian Police. Whilst today's Scotland is more enlightened this chosen path is by no means an easy one to take. It is designed to help others and will hopefully be instrumental in affording gay people the confidence to join the police and be who they are.

CHARLIE McPHERSON and ROBIN BLACK are recognised for their brave 1500 miles drive together in a van to Romania several years ago to this then impoverished country with much needed ophthalmic equipment. Their amazing story which is guaranteed to capture the imagination will be recounted by a member of Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Nicholas the main sponsor of the event.

SAMANTHA LITTLE is a senior student at Westhill Academy received an award in recognition of her willingness to always help others and her display of bravery and selflessness set alongside her obvious desire to live life to the full despite her impaired sight and hearing. Her attitude to life is an example to all offering untold encouragement to others.

DETECTIVE SERGEANT LAURA McKAY having been diagnosed with cervical cancer met the disease head on and beat it! As a proud 'survivor' she further demonstrated tremendous strength of character by not only running the New York Marathon in aid of Cancer Research but recording a highly respectable time. Her achievement offers great hope and encouragement to those finding themselves diagnosed with similar conditions. Laura was presented with her award by fellow cancer survivor Kelly Cumming who following the amputation of part of her right leg did a charity run and was recently installed as an 'ambassador' to Diced Cap for all the support she has given to others.  

DEREK IRONSIDE OF NEWSLINE SCOTLAND was recognised with a Diced Cap Fellowship for outstanding support of Diced Cap over many years. He has been instrumental in raising the profile of the charity with professional high quality photography which has enhanced many events much of which is featured on this website.