Birthday cake and a trip to the movies for Scotland’s bravest teen

The Post reported on the story of a young boy’s cancer treatment in this edition in April 1980.

The boy, who was only reported as Daniel, was the first person in the world to receive a new “wonder drug”.

“Daniel, the Glasgow lad being treated with Interferon, has had a surprise outing from hospital. He celebrated his 17th birthday last week in his ward at the Victoria Infirmary. Nurses produced a dumpling and birthday cake which he tucked into.”

The drug had been secured by Dr Tom Mcallister, of Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, for two of his patients. It meant pleading with a Danish laboratory chief to provide him with the precious drug. “Daniel then went on his first outing for months – a visit to the cinema. His parents took him to the Film Centre in Sauchiehall Street, to the film of his choice – Clint Eastwood in Escape From Alcatraz. His face tumour has reduced in size and he’s feeling 100% better in himself.”

Unfortunately there was a scientific backlash to the use of the drug, with some saying it had been used before proper trials had been carried out.

And tragically, both of Dr Mcallister’s patients died within a year of starting their treatment.

Masked girls stun victim to steal £1,200

“Glasgow police are investigating one of the oddest assault robbery cases on their files. The attack happened on the first-floor landing of 18 Montrose Street, in the city centre,” reported The Post. “A woman was making her way to work in the building. She was carrying individual wage packets made up for the staff just under £1,200.

“As she reached the first floor two girls, wearing ski-type woollen hats pulled over their faces, pounced. They threw pepper into her face, temporarily blinding her and smashed her glasses.

“The two girls grabbed the wage packets from her and ran off down the stairs and into the street. A woman at the close entrance heard the victim’s screams and chased the raiders, but they disappeared. Police want anyone who saw the girl thugs to get in touch with them.”

20 injured in bomb blast

“More than 20 people were injured in an IRA mortar bomb attack on an RUC and Army barracks in Newry, Co Down,” read this report as the terrorist organisation continued its bombing campaign.

“A 14-year-old boy had both legs fractured. Twenty other people were treated for shrapnel. Two missiles left the home-made mortar, set up on a parked lorry in the street outside the barracks in the border town.”