LORRAINE Wilson, writing for The Herald, and Sue Mott, for the Scottish Mail on Sunday, have tied in first place after entering Epilepsy Scotland’s Journalist of the Year Award.
Both journalists will be honoured tonight before 300 corporate guests attending the national charity’s annual fundraising Glasgow Wags event in the Grand Central Hotel, hosted by Radio Forth 1 presenter, Grant Stott.
The judging panel were unanimous in selecting these joint-winning inspiring stories.
Lorraine Wilson’s showcased support for families with a new world-class epilepsy centre in Glasgow, and Sue Mott highlighted the strict regime Olympic athlete, Dai Greene, follows to overcome life-threatening seizures on and off the track.
This year’s panellists included novelists, Caro Ramsay and Gordon Ferris, with National Union of Journalists’ Scottish Organiser, Paul Holleran, and BBC Scotland’s head of News and Current Affairs, John Boothman.
Runner-up, Craig Campbell, described the rare condition of photosensitive epilepsy in the Weekly News.
Top writer, Lorraine Wilson, from Dundee commented: “It is a genuine honour to be sharing a title awarded by an organisation that does such important work.
“The Baxter family, who were the subjects of the feature are truly inspirational. Sometimes you feel a story writes itself, but if I’ve done Anna, Noel and Hannah (Baxter) justice, as well as those at Quarriers and everyone involved in improving treatment facilities for epilepsy, I’m delighted.”
Fellow winner, Sue Mott, remarked: “What a tremendous honour to receive this award from Epilepsy Scotland, although all the praise should go to Dai Greene, our champion hurdler and terrific guy.
“Quite by chance, I sat next to him at a dinner and it was only in passing he mentioned he had epilepsy. I thought I’d possibly misheard him. How could you be going for an Olympic gold medal and have such a significant condition? Shows what I knew. I thought his story was inspirational and very much hope it may have the effect of encouraging others to shoot for a goal in their life, no matter how great.”
Both award-winners will receive a trophy and share the £500 first prize for their achievement in raising awareness of epilepsy and helping to reduce its social stigma.
Other short-listed award entrants included Tracey Bryce (The Sunday Post), Laura Coventry (Daily Record), MSYPs David Kerr and Megan Miller (The Herald), Craig McQueen (Daily Record) and Rebecca McQuillan (The Herald).
ENDS
Notes to Editor
* Photos and interviews: pilepsy Scotland’s Journalist of the Year Award joint winners, Lorraine Wilson and Sue Mott are available for interview. Lorraine Wilson can be photographed at the Glasgow Wags event. Contact Epilepsy Scotland for details.
* Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent 54,000 Scots with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information, or try enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk, text 07786 209501, find us on twitter @epilepsy_scot twitter or facebook or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
* Previous high-profile judges for our award include broadcasters Lorraine Kelly, Cathy MacDonald, Stephen Jardine and Jackie Bird; film maker Richard Jobson; and authors, Ian Rankin, Denise Mina, Val McDermid, William McIlvanney, Alasdair Gray, Christopher Brookmyre, Bill Paterson, Alexander McColl Smith, Des Dillon and Lin Anderson.
* This is Epilepsy Scotland’s 13th Journalist of the Year award which is endorsed by the Scottish National Union of Journalists. There were 31 entries from 26 journalists. Previous Journalist of the Year award winners include Lesley Quinn (The Herald 2011) and Fiona Duffy (Daily Mirror 2010).
* Four guest speakers at this Glasgow Wags fundraising evening themed, ‘It’s a scandal’, include solicitor Ricky Hutchison, former Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell, former Rangers FC director of Football, Gordon Smith, and sports presenter and reporter Alison Walker.
* For more details please call: Allana Parker, public affairs officer, Tel: 0141 419 1701 Mobile: 07884 012 147.
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