A special legacy
Son wins trophy named after brother
IT WAS a truly heart-warming moment when Dennis Canavan presented a trophy to his son at the weekend.
The former MP and MSP set up the Paul Canavan Memorial Cup in aid of the hospice where his then-youngest son passed away.
Paul would turn out to be one of four children Canavan would lose. It left the family with young Adam as the sole surviving child.
The teenager’s participation in Sunday’s 10k hospice charity run was moving enough. But winning the cup named after his brother was a special moment indeed.
The trophy, indelibly associated with the Canavans, is a testament to their stoicism.
And it ensures that one positive legacy of their loss is support being provided for generations to come.
FORMER politician Dennis Canavan has spoken of his pride after his teenage son won a running trophy named in memory of his late brother.
The ex-Labour MP and independent MSP for Falkirk West has lost four children.
His son Paul, who had skin cancer, died aged 16 in 1989 at Strathcarron Hospice, Stirlingshire.
Dennis donated the Paul Canavan Memorial Cup which is awarded to the first runner aged 16 or under to finish the Strathcarron 10km race.
And he was on “cloud nine” when son Adam, 16, won it on Sunday.
Dennis, who stood down from Holyrood in 2007, lost his daughter BY ALAN McEWEN alan.mcewen@reachplc.com Ruth, 49, last year. His eldest son Mark died in Australia in 2007 aged 41 after a three-year battle with motor neurone disease.
His son Dennis died in 2006 from a brain tumour aged 35.
Dennis, 76, said of Adam’s success in the charity race: “It was a very enjoyable occasion but also very emotional.
“I felt Adam was being cheered on by his brothers and sister.
“I attend the event every year and I’m usually asked to present the prizes. It was extra special to be able to present the trophy to Adam.”
The fifth year pupil clinched the trophy in a time of 48 minutes and 20 seconds.
Dennis, who lives in Bannockburn, said: “The race does bring back memories of my sons and daughter who are no longer with us, particularly Paul.
“I’m really proud of Adam. It was just last year he was a pallbearer at his sister’s funeral when he was only 15.”
Strathcarron Hospice were delighted for the family.
They said: “The event was made super special for us, and for Dennis Canavan, who has sponsored the Paul Canavan Trophy in memory of his son for the last 15 years, when his son Adam took the junior title and won his late brother’s trophy.”