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PLUCKY RYAN TURNS HEARTACHE INTO BRAVE HELP CAMPAIGN
By Kathleen Nutt, 01/08/2009
PLUCKY schoolboy Ryan McLaughlin has turned the heartache of seeing his mum suffer from multiple sclerosis into a brave campaign to save others from the same pain.
The 14-year-old even led a 1,000-strong march on Holyrood in a brave bid to persuade MSPs to dish out free vitamin D supplements to help beat the disease.
And after putting his case to them, he will meet with Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon next month to discuss his proposals.
Ryan’s actions have now earned him a nomination for our Bighearted Child Of The Year award.
And last night mum Kirsten, 34, of Drumchapel, Glasgow, said: “He is a true hero. I am proud to call him my son.”
Ryan was devastated when she was diagnosed with the disease two years ago. The ex-European tae kwon do champion now struggles to climb stairs or even get dressed.
But after learning that vitamin D in sunlight helps prevent the condition, the schoolboy launched his Shine On Scotland campaign.
He’s calling for children and mums-to-be to get vitamin D supplements free.
The determined youngster has also presented a short film about MS. It’s now been viewed all over the world and, in May, it was even screened at half time during the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden.
As well as his campaigning, the Knightswood High School pupil has proved an invaluable help to dad Alan, 35, and brother Darren, ten.
Graphic designer Alan said: “Without Ryan’s help, I do not know how we would have got through the ordeal. He drew strength from our family’s pain and decided to fight for the health of future generations of Scots. He has received worldwide support for his campaign. He’s an inspiration to everyone.”
Ryan’s nomination for our coveted Child Of The Year award could now earn him a second meeting with Nicola Sturgeon – because the Deputy First Minister is presenting the awards at our glitttering ceremony hosted by Sportscene’s Dougie Vipond at Glasgow’s Marriot Hotel on September 4.
Ryan beamed: “I’m thrilled to be up for this award – I hope it helps my campaign. I was really scared at first when I was told my mum had MS.
“Then I decided to see if I could do something to help.”
Ryan’s campaign has been backed by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, 44. Her mother Anne died from an MS-related illness in 1990 at the age of just 45.
Scotland has the world’s highest MS rate, with over 12,500 sufferers. MS Society Scotland’s David McNiven said: “Ryan is an inspiring young man. The MS Society funded the research that sparked his campaign. He’s done a great job.”
The charities to benefit from Bighearted Scotland 2009 are: Alcohol Focus Scotland, CLIC Sargent, Epilepsy Scotland, Momentum, Penumbra and Scottish Native Woods.
