Nominations for Burns award

A doctor dedicated to helping people in war torn Sri Lanka, a performer reaching out to those battling addiction and a humanitarian bringing the latest cancer therapies to the Third World are in the running for this year’s Robert Burns Humanitarian Award .

Dr Varatharajah Thurairajah, Mark Williamson and Dr Alexander Paterson have all been shortlisted as finalists for the awards, with the winner announced on Monday, January 25.

Dr Varatharajah Thurairajah treated civilians caught up in the Sri Lankan civil war which lasted for 26 years. He performed lifesaving surgery despite limited medical supplies and facilities, risking his life to save over 350,000 people from the front line.

Mark Williamson is the founder of ‘ Sweet For Addicts’, a non- profit recovery- based theatre group based in Glasgow. Mark does not hold auditions but instead offers everyone the opportunity to be involved in a positive way, whether that’s choosing to go on stage and act, sing or dance, or to play an important role through the lighting, sound and prop preparation.

Dr Alexander Paterson is a medical oncologist whose work is renowned around the world. He also volunteers in the teaching of medical skills to students and is currently helping the University of Managua in Nicaragua.

Council leader Peter Henderson, chair of the RBHA judging panel, said: “Between them, they have saved countless lives, either directly or indirectly and they are an inspiration.”

The winners receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas ( approximately £ 1,800) – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage in circulation at that time.