PRIDE OF DOC IS
Our winners share a selfless determination to help others
INSPIRATIONAL, phenomenal and outstanding – just some of the words used to describe Pride of Scotland winners Karen Morrison, Dr Kenneth Baillie and Jamie McCallum. The incredible trio’s selfless determination to improve the lives of others saw them honoured by the great and the good at our glittering event at Hopetoun House in South Queensferry. Here we meet the three bighearted Scots, who stole hearts at the awards, in partnership with TSB.
STILL Game’s Sanjeev Kohli and Gavin Mitchell had a ball on stage with Jamie McCallum and his family at our people’s Oscars.
The actors joked around with Gregor, six, Rosie, eight and Abigail 10, while presenting their dad with his well-deserved TSB Community Hero Award.
Sanjeev and Gavin paid tribute to Jamie, 42, whose viral video featuring children with Down syndrome led to the creation of a charity and inspirational movement challenging negative perceptions.
Gavin, who played barman Bobby in the hit comedy series, said: “Jamie speaks with brutal honesty about his feelings which is refreshing and lets other families know that they are not alone. He’s an inspirational dad and his kids are a credit to both him and his wife.”
When Jamie’s daughter Rosie was born eight years ago with Down syndrome, it changed his life. The fatherof-three discovered that while her condition meant challenges lay ahead, it was also an integral part of who she was and he “wouldn’t change a thing” about her.
His passion for changing outdated perceptions about Down syndrome led to him creating a Carpool Karaoke style video called #wouldntchangeathing in 2018.
It featured 50 mums and their children with Down syndrome singing and signing, and it went viral, having been viewed more than 500million times and making headlines in 30 countries.
Its success triggered the creation of a parent-led charity of the same name, of which Jamie is chairman. They have now put together a book called Wouldn’t Change a Thing that will be given to every new parent of a baby with Down syndrome.
Jamie, from Prestwick, said: “The challenges we overcome are what make us who we are. Some of the most enriching experiences we’ve ever had are also because of Down Syndrome. “
“This scenario – where you actually could or would ‘change a thing’ – sends a shiver down my spine.”