Soldier’s strength is top dog
A DOG who saved the life of a traumatised former soldier has scooped a top gong.
Springer spaniel Irma won the Caring Animal of the Year award for helping Scots Army veteran Paul Wilkie cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder.
Paul, of Perth, who served in the Falklands, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns during 22 years of service, is now on the road to recovery thanks to his new life with Irma.
The pooch was honoured at the Animal Hero Awards in London.
Irma was the the first dog trained in Scotland by military charity Bravehound.
Fiona MacDonald, of Bravehound, who are based in Erskine, Renfrewshire, said: “It’s only through public support that we can provide dogs to veterans like Paul.”
Another dog called Gobi picked up a gong for being the Inspirational Animal of the Year.
The former stray became attached to ultra-marathon runner Dion Leonard and ran with him for 77 miles through the Gobi desert.
Dion then brought her home to Edinburgh. A SCOTS oil worker has been killed in an industrial accident off the west coast of Africa.
Dad Philip Westerman, of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was working at a rig in Congolese waters when he died.
The 30-year-old engineer was working for Aberdeen-based Fugro Subsea Services and was trained to operate ROVs – remotely-operated survey vehicles.
It is understood the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.
Fugro confirmed yesterday that an investigation had been launched into Monday’s tragedy but could not release any more details of what happened.
Philip’s wife and family have been informed and Fugro said their staff were helping local police with their inquiries.
Tributes were paid to Philip, who attended Ellon Academy before doing an HND in electrical engineering at Aberdeen University.
He married Candice, 30, in July 2014, and the couple’s son, Harrison, was born last December.
In a Facebook post marking the new year, Philip said: “Don’t care what you all say, 2016 was amazing.”
Yesterday, his sister-inlaw Taylor Murray posted an emotional tribute. She said: “Philip was the nicest guy anyone could ever meet.
“He was a gentleman, a proper romantic with a sense of humour that never failed to make me laugh.
“The messages that we have all been receiving show that not only is it his family and close friends who have been affected by this tragic news but everyone who ever knew him.
“There’s a hole in my heart that will never heal.”
Darren Robertson, a colleague of Philip, said: “Truly saddened by the loss of my friend Phil.
“He made every day at work a lot brighter when away from the ones we love.
“Always happy and a true gent. Made me smile every day with his random singing and quips.
“Clearly loved his wife Candice and son Harrison so much as he talked about them constantly.
“My heart goes out to them in this difficult time. Stay strong and never let the memories fade.
“This world has become a much darker place without you.”
Chris Mclean added: “Love you so much, Philip. Rest in peace.
“We will all miss you as we have lost the best person ever from our lives.
“To the greatest friend, son, brother, husband and father, we will meet again.”
Amanda Thomson said: “The news does not seem real. Can’t begin to imagine how Candice and the rest of the family are feeling.
“A true legend he was, countless people will have very fond memories of Phil. His absence will break a lot of hearts.”
Cara Mia said: “Heaven has gained another angel and they couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful soul than you.”
A Fugro spokesman said: “Fugro Subsea Services regret to confirm that there has been an incident offshore in Congolese waters, which has resulted in the fatality of one of our offshore ROV personnel.
“Next of kin have been informed