Two friends been recognised for their work with families who have lost a child.
Susan Simpson from Oban and Michael McGuire from Fort William featured in the BBC One Scotland festive special of Scotland’s People 2023 on December 20.
Hosted by Jackie Bird the programme shines a heart-warming spotlight on amazing individuals who have gone that extra mile to selflessly help others within their communities.
Michael and Susan are Scotland’s People’s first double nominees and were nominated separately for all their amazing fundraising and help for families coping with the loss of a child in the Highlands and beyond.
While Susan was aware that Michael had been nominated and visa versa, neither knew they themselves had also been nominated.
So they set off to BBC Scotland’s headquarters together for an interview with Kaye Adams for Radio Scotland, which was to be filmed, ostensibly for an interview about the charity… fully expecting Jackie Bird to appear to surprise their friend.
Only to be surprised to find they were both being celebrated with special messages from Amanda Holden, charity patron Bella Mackie, and other supporters, including KT Tunstall who turned up in person to give the duo a special rendition of Suddenly I See.
Host Jackie Bird said: “It was amazing to see their faces when they realised they were both being celebrated together and then following that up with KT Tunstall was just terrific.
“It was a lovely tribute to friends, who following tragedy in their own respective families, have worked so hard to help others coping with the loss of a child.
“Together Michael and Susan have done so much, it was lovely to have them share this special Scotland’s People double celebration.”
Both Susan, who lives in the Dunbeg area of Oban, and Michael, from Caol, have experienced the loss of a child and understand first-hand how crucial adequate support and care is.
In 2018, the duo, along with two others, co-founded Anam Cara Fasgadh, a charity based in Tralee near Benderloch that provides grief support and free respite accommodation to families who have experienced the loss of a child.
Former RAF serviceman Michael was nominated for the award by Susan for his work raising funds and awareness for the charity.
“It is through Michael’s amazing ability to enthuse others about our work that the charity has raised enough funds to keep Poppy’s Place running and to consider the purchase of a second caravan in spring/summer 2024,” she said.
“Michael works away quietly, championing the charity to individuals and businesses who become loyal and generous supporters.”
Anam Cara hosts events throughout the year to raise money for their charity, one of which is the Big Steps for Small Feet, an event that brings nine other bereavement charities together to scale the highest mountains.
This year Michael took on the toughest challenge of his life, a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp – every step of the way he carried a flag with the names of children lost on it.
Michael also took over 70 football kits with him that he handed out to youngsters along the route.
He had to battle food poisoning, altitude sickness and exhaustion, but pushed through to reach the camp and hold the children’s names aloft.
“This award means the world to us because it gives Anam Cara Fasgadh the opportunity to reach a wider audience, which in turn means we can reach more bereaved families,” added Susan.
“At the end of the day, we are humbled to have been nominated, but what makes us truly proud is that the legacy of our heavenly children Kyle, Alex and Eilidh Beth has been recognised.”
Scotland’s People 2023 is still available on BBC iPlayer.