An Eddlewood grandpa has been declared a true charity champ after he scooped a top award from Diabetes UK.
Brian Thomson was presented with the award for Fundraiser of the Year in Scotland from Diabetes UK.
He picked up the award at a special ceremony held in Glasgow on Saturday, May 13.
Brian said: “We had a lovely lunch followed by the awards themselves. There were several different categories and I was nominated in the fundraising category along with another eight people, any one of which would have been a worthy winner, but I’m glad to say that the panel of judges chose me.”
He will now go forward to the UK awards, which will take place in Birmingham in July.
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Brian, who has raised thousands for the charity over the years, added: “I would like to thank my lovely wife Jean and also my family and friends, Lynn Taylor from Santander in Hamilton as well as the many local businesses for their continued support over the years.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a part in the winning of this award. Without your support, none of this would be possible and it is greatly appreciated.”
Brian will continue to fundraise for the charity and is set to host a race night in Roxy’s Bar in Hamilton on Friday, June 9, with free entry and you can bet from 50p per race.
Then the following Saturday (June 16) at 11am, from Succoth car park in Arrochar, Brian will head of with a number of participants to host their annual Hike4Hayley.
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Brian will be leading a group up Ben Arthur, and for those looking to get involved, the cost will be £10 per adult, £5 per child or £20 per family with a suggested minimum raise of £50.
You can register online by logging onto the Virgin Money site and searching hike4hayley.
On Saturday, August 12, at John Carrigan’s Eating House in Hamilton, Brian will also host an ‘80s night, with music from duo The Moonlighters.
Brian added: “Unfortunately all 120 tickets have already sold out, but I’m still looking for sponsors and prizes for the night if anyone would like to help.
“In November/December there’s the small matter of trekking 17,600 feet to Everest Base Camp, which I am greatly excited about and I’m still looking for businesses to shirt sponsor me.
“It’s all about raising much-needed funds for research into one day hopefully finding a cure for diabetes.’’
