Dressedforaction
Liam and Sophia tackle climbing and adventure golf as they’re kitted out for awards night
THEY are Scotland’s bravest children – and now they are the best-dressed too.
Liam Thomson, 11, and Sophia Scott, six, were treated to a special outing to the intu Braehead shopping centre, near Glasgow, to get kitted out for the Record’s Our Heroes Awards next month.
The inspirational youngsters also enjoyed an afternoon of adventure at nearby Soar, where they got to enjoy some climbing and adventure golf.
It was part of their prize for being finalists in the awards, sponsored by Utilita Energy. The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on May 19.
It was an all-action day out – and Liam’s aunt Liz O’Farrell had her heart in her mouth as she watched him freefall to the ground from 45ft in the air.
The schoolboy couldn’t have been more thrilled after experiencing the excitement of the Climbzone Fan Drop, saying: “It’s been so much fun, I want to do it all over again.”
Liam, from Livingston, was hailed a hero after rescuing his great-gran when she suffered a cardiac arrest.
He sprang into action after finding Josie O’Farrell collapsed on the floor and fighting for breath while they were on holiday at Seton Sands Caravan Park in East Lothian.
The youngster raised the alarm and managed to direct paramedics to the caravan, where stricken Josie was fighting to survive.
Our Little Heroes nominees were treated to new outfits by staff at Next.
Liam picked a sharp suit and is looking forward to showing it off at the awards.
He said: “It’s really smart and I liked it straight away.”
Sophia, who proudly posed for the camera while wearing her beautiful new dress, said she felt like a princess for the day.
The brave girl is believed to be the only youngster in Scotland with Sanfilippo syndrome – a rare, incurable, genetic illness known as childhood Alzheimer’s that means she may not live beyond her early teenage years.
Her parents Darren and Amanda, from Glasgow, are trying to enjoy every moment with Sophia before her body and mind gradually deteriorate.
Darren said: “Sophia has loved being spoiled today.
“She is so proud of her beautiful outfit and picked it herself. She didn’t want to take it off and today has helped boost her confidence.”
The trials and tribulations of Liam and Sophia’s young lives were forgotten as they headed from intu Braehead to Soar for some serious fun.
There were squeals of delight as they spent time in the Gambado indoor play centre before teeing up a round at the centre’s Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
Then it was on to the Odeon Cinema to pick up free tickets to the movies.
And to round off the day, there was a slap-up meal courtesy of Pizza Hut.
Darren said: “I’d like to thank everyone who made it possible. We want to make as many special memories as we can and this has certainly been a day to remember.”
Ava Stark, the third finalist in the Our Little Heroes category, was unable to attend the special day after she was taken to hospital.
The four-year-old, from Lochgelly in Fife, captured the hearts of the nation during her search for a bone marrow donor after she was diagnosed with inherited bone marrow failure.
The Record’s Save Ava appeal went global and the little girl’s family were overwhelmed when 69,000 new donors came forward to help find a match.
She received her life-saving transplant at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in November.
Ava will still be treated to vouchers from Next so she can pick a dazzling dress when she feels better.
Her mum, Marie, said: “Ava caught a heavy cold and ended up spending three days in hospital.
“She was gutted to miss out on such a special day and was looking forward to it.
“She’s so excited to be a Little Hero and very much looking forward to meeting the other finalists at the ceremony.”
Whatever the result on the night, Ava has already been a winner in her proud mum’s eyes after grabbing her second chance at life.
Marie said: “Ava is our little hero. She’s been through so much yet always wears a big smile on her face. “She’s doing well and the transplant has transformed her life. I’m forever grateful to the donor.”
Intu Braehead marketing manager Christine Macdonald said: “The children who made the final of the Daily Record’s Our Heroes Awards really deserved some fun and games and we aimed to give them just that during their visit to Soar.
“It seemed we succeeded if the smiles on their faces and the sound of their laughter were anything to go by as they enjoyed so many of our different leisure attractions.”
Bill Bullen, CEO of awards sponsors Utilita Energy, added: “This is a fantastic, fully deserved day out for the Little Heroes and it is great to see them enjoying what we are sure will be a day to remember.
“Every single Little Hero has had to overcome so many challenges already and we’re delighted to be able to play a part in giving them an experience they will never forget.” ● The 2017 Daily Record Our Heroes Awards takes place at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, on May 19. We’re not just looking for lifesavers, we also want to know about the beat bobby who goes an extra mile and the firefighter or paramedic at the heart of a community. For Scots determined to make dreams come true through fundraising. Sponsored by Macklin Motors Someone from the world of entertainment who makes us proud. Scotland has a host of sporting stars striving to be the best. Our hero does not need to be a winner but someone who has shown real dedication. Sponsored by Scottish Government A hero in the medical or caring professions. One winner from our category award winners will be selected by the judging panel to receive this coveted title.