A Kilmarnock-daft teenager has bagged a special award for an important cause.
Lochlan Murdoch from Cumnock has been announced as the Quality in Care Diabetes Awards People’s Award winner for 2022.
These prestigious national awards “recognise an individual who volunteers in the care sector”.
In 2020, Lochlan set up ‘Lochlan’s Legacy’ to raise awareness of what it’s like for young people to live with the life-threatening condition, Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
Since then, he’s been on a mission to reduce stigma through education and sporting participation.
Lochlan toured all senior football clubs in Scotland to make them aware of T1D and to get on board with his hope to let everyone know how to deal with any potential ‘hypo’ without fear so that anyone with T1D can feel able to play the sport of their choice and be just like any other young person.
His desire and vision has seen the SFA (Scottish Football Association) endorse Lochlan’s Legacy.
Lochlan’s delighted mum Lesley, who is chair of Lochlan’s Legacy, told Ayrshire Live: “We are extremely proud of Lochlan and all his achievements to date.
“His drive, determination and passion to help and support others who live with type 1 diabetes is incredibly humbling.
“The awards ceremony was fantastic and he met some brilliant people who specialise in diabetes.
“We really appreciate QiC Diabetes for recognising Lochlan and his passion to make a difference.
“The weekend was made extra special by a few surprises given to Lochlan by former Kilmarnock Player, Dylan Kerr who arranged tickets for us to go and see Brentford v Brighton and Reading v West Brom.
“The surprises didn’t end at Reading, they had arranged for Lochlan to go onto the pitch at half time in front of 20,000 fans with former player Glen Little.
“A standing ovation at the awards ceremony by such influential people and then to hear that amount of people cheering for Lochlan was something that I know that we will never forget.”
In addition, Lochlan encouraged people throughout his community to contribute needed medication and items to send to people in Ukraine at the beginning of the conflict earlier this year.
That vehicle took much-needed supplies to a welcoming community in the war-torn country. This month (October 2022) the charity is filling a second vehicle to take more required support.
Lochlan has been invited to the Scottish Parliament in January 2023 to share his vision. It’s hoped that each MSP will return to their constituency and cascade through their schools, health establishments and sports groups and clubs so that Lochlan’s Legacy is known nationwide for helping people gain a better understanding of T1D.
• Lochlan Murdoch is the thirteen-year-old founder of Lochlan’s Legacy. The charity aims to raise awareness of, and reduce the stigma for young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) – www.lochlanslegacyt1d.co.uk
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