Heroes' stories can give children hope
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GIVING hope to children going through hard times is important for father-of-five Peter Mason.
The director at Inverness legal firm Macleod and MacCallum, which is sponsoring the brave child of the year category for the second time at this year's Highland Heroes awards, said it was important to share their stories.
He said: "There were lots of inspiring stories from the young ones at last year's awards. Sometimes they've been through a difficult time and it's showing how strong they are and how they've come through it.
"It's important to get their stories out there because, if other kids are seeing that, it might give them a little bit of hope to see that other young people have been through it and come out the other end.
"There are bound to be kids out there now who are going through a tough time and thinking 'where do I go with all of this?' If they hear stories of other kids going through something similar, or worse, and see where they are now – that's maybe the message to get out there.
"It gives others hope and inspiration."
Readers of five Scottish Provincial Press newspapers across the region are being encouraged to nominate their local heroes across 12 categories in this year's Highland Heroes awards, which are now in their second year.
Mr Mason said they decided unanimously to support the brave child category at last year's inaugural awards, particularly because the company deals with children experiencing difficult times in its family law section.
"We had a discussion between ourselves are decided the brave child category was the most appropriate one and a very worthy award to sponsor," he said. "On the night it was the first award that was given and certainly the most emotional award – there were a few tears around our table."
The category was won last year by Lee Ross, of Rogart, who was praised for performing CPR on his father after an accident at their croft. Lee took direction from the 999 call and gave his dad Johnny CPR until paramedics arrived. Johnny died in hospital a few days later.
Lee's mum Rhoda said last year: "He did everything he could possibly have done to save his dad that day. Johnny would be so proud of what Lee did.
"He was so brave and continues to do his bit to support our family."
To nominate somebody you feel deserves recognition in this or any other category, fill in this form and post it to Highland Heroes, Scottish Provincial Press, New Century House, Stadium Road, Inverness, IV1 1FG or email it to heroes@spp-group.com. You can also nominate your Highland Heroes online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HighlandHeroes2018
The deadline for nominations is midnight on Saturday, September 1.
A judging panel will draw up a shortlist in each category before readers are given the opportunity to vote for their favourites.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, November 8.
