Honoured for their devotion

Remarkable pair mingle with stars

Two remarkable Airdrie women have been recognised for their selfless hard work in helping others at a starstudded awards ceremony.

Laura McArthur, 42, and Deborah Burns, 34, were crowned Caring Hero and Forces Hero, respectively, at our sister paper the Daily Record’s prestigious Our Heroes extravaganza.

The extraordinary pair mingled with film and TV stars, footballers, singers and politicians – including Spice Girl Melanie C, Line of Duty actor Martin Compston and Deputy First Minister John Swinney – at the glittering gathering held in Glasgow’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

Laura fought back tears as she dedicated her award to daughter Jodie Muir, 16, who sadly passed away two years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition.

The marvellous mum reacted to the tragedy by setting up the Jodie Muir Memorial Trust and raising thousands of pounds to fund a heart screening programme for school kids.

She said of her award, sponsored by the Scottish Government: “This means so much to me. It means my daughter’s death hasn’t been in vain.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison added: “Laura has dedicated her life to a very good cause. I’ve offered to meet with her to find out more about her campaign and see if there’s more we can do to help.”

Deborah was named Forces Hero, sponsored by the Record, for her work with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Veterans First Point.

The ex-military clerk served in the Army for 10 years, but after falling pregnant with daughter AmyLeigh, now nine, struggled to adapt to normal life and eventually found herself homeless, bankrupt and suffering from post-natal depression.

Determined to turn her life around, brave Deborah became a veterans’ support worker to help former service personnel and their families in all aspects of life.

On receiving her award, Deborah said: “I’m humbled and shocked. This is going to get pride of place.

She added: “I never thought I’d suffer from depression or need therapy, but there’s no shame in admitting you need help.

“Now I’m an open book and proof that you can go through hard times and come out of the other side stronger than ever.”

For my Jodie Laura was presented with her award by Health and Sport Secretary Shona Robinson and River City stars Sally Howitt (right) and Stephen Pardon

Force of nature Deborah was shocked to receive her award