Committed and selfless

  Seamus Corry, Unsung Hero Award

Stephen Naysmith

Published on 29 Oct 2009

Two outstanding individuals were recognised at this year’s Herald Society Awards, with Seamus Corry, from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, declared the Unsung Hero of the Year in a category sponsored by the Big Lottery Fund, and Caroline Connor, manager of Battlefield Day Care Centre in Glasgow, selected as the Public Sector Worker of the Year.

Mr Corry began working as a volunteer fundraiser for Yorkhill Hospital’s Children’s Foundation to help provide a memorial after the 19-week-old son of two of his friends died.

Now, three years on, he is one of its most dedicated volunteers. He impressed the judges with not only his commitment but an evident lack of any desire for personal recognition for the work he does.

He was nominated by Yorkhill Hospital itself, and staff highlighted his commitment and integrity, pointing out that he had even used his 40th birthday as an occasion to raise funds with a 150ft sponsored zip slide.

Mr Corry was suitably gracious in accepting his award, and said he was “shocked, surprised and humbled”. He has now set up a fundraising recycling scheme for businesses in Clackmannnanshire and Falkirk, and pledged to continue his ­support for the foundation.