Starstruck
ROBBO SURPRISE FOR RNLI CHARITY KEIRAN Andy pitches in for Pride of Scotland
KEIRAN Reid got the shock of his life when his footballing hero Andy Robertson surprised him with the news he had won a Pride of Scotland award.
The inspirational teenager was watching the national team being put through their paces at the Oriam Fitness Centre in Edinburgh when the legendary Liverpool defender popped over to speak to him.
Keiran’s jaw hit the floor when Andy approached him and handed him an envelope containing a ticket which declared he was the winner of the Child of Courage Award.
The 12-year-old schoolboy from Avoch, on the Black Isle has raised thousands for his local RNLI in memory of his fisherman father who was tragically taken by the sea.
Keiran said: “I thought I was just going on a day out in Edinburgh with my mum and gran. A car picked us up and took us to a massive sports centre. When we got out we were shown into a training ground.
“I couldn’t believe it when I looked and saw the whole of the Scotland football team on the park.
“All of a sudden Andy Robertson came walking over and shook my hand. I was so star struck. It was unbelievable and I was so excited to meet somebody so great. The blood was pumping and my heart was thumping.”
He added: “Andy asked who my favourite player was and I told him it was him hands down. He laughed and said I didn’t have to say that just because he was there but it’s true. He’s my footballing hero.
“When he told me I had won a Pride of Scotland award I didn’t really take it in and it was only when I was on the journey back home that it sunk in.
“He also told me his charity AR26 would be in touch to offer me a lifechanging treat at the back end of the year. Meeting Andy was the best experience I’ve had in my entire life so far.”
Andy said: “It was so great to meet Keiran at Scotland training. He really deserves this recognition. I’m so proud of all the fundraising he has done.”
The schoolboy was just six when fisherman dad Craig, 25, was washed overboard from the trawler Apollo in a gale-force storm off Orkney.
Just weeks after his father’s death, Keiran started raising money for the local rescue team .
Five years on, he’s helped to raise £10,000 for the RNLI and when he is old enough he wants to join the volunteer crew who have become like family.
Keiran said: “Fundraising is my way of thanking and remembering my dad. I will never forget him. Helping to raise money for my local lifeboat team makes sure he won’t be forgotten.
“I plan to keep raising money for the RNLI.”