Inaugural Spinal Injuries Scotland Awards lunch 2008

The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh was the venue of the first ever Awards lunch by Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) which took place on 16th May to coincide with Spinal Injuries Awareness Day. The event was sponsored by Digby Brown Solicitors.

It had long been felt by Spinal Injuries Scotland that the contribution made by individuals to the organisation and more importantly, the spinally injured community was worthy of recognition. With this in mind a prestige venue was sought to hold the prize-giving lunch. And very appropriately the winners momentoes were hand crafted by one of SIS' members, Ike Curran from Wheelchair Woodturners.

The worthy recipients of the prizes were:

 

The Gordon Schools Huntly - “Fundraiser of the Year 2008”
As a direct result of our association with the Grampian Police Diced Cap Trust, the Gordon Schools of Huntly chose SIS to fundraise for in 2008. Through many ingenious and entertaining methods, the school students who having been tasked with the daunting prospect of raising £2,500, raised the extraordinary sum of £6,700; a truly fantastic effort. Robert Swanney, senior partner of Digby Brown Solicitors was rightly fulsome in his praise of the Gordon Schools when presenting the award to them.

Francis EJ McCrossin CA FRCPS - “Lifetime Achievement Award”
In recognition of his more than 40 years of unpaid service to the charity, Francis guided SIS through many years and many changes as a valued member of the governing council as well as ensuring the charity's finances were in order through his role as treasurer. Francis retired from SIS at the end of 2007 and it was a strict "no contest" when deciding the recipient of this award. Mr David Allan, clinical director QENSIU presented Francis with his award.

Peter Joyce - “Volunteer of the Year 2008”
Peter recently became active within SIS and now forms part of the team who visit the QENSIU to speak with current patients. As a C5 complete tetraplegic for the last 25 years, Peter has brought a wealth of experience to the charity. He represents SIS on a variety of boards and committees to make sure the viewpoint of people living with spinal injury is widely heard. Peter graciously acknowledged that he formed part of a valuable team of volunteers and that he was accepting the award on behalf of the whole team. Margaret McKillop the clinical services manager from the QENSIU made the presentation to Peter.

The event proved so successful it was agreed to make the event annual to reward those who have given valued assistance to those with spinal cord injury.