PRIDE of Scotland winner Stevie Carr has returned to the Ukraine for the first time since he rescued 56 orphans from the war-ravaged city of Dnipro in March last year.
The big-hearted dad-of-three, who broke down in tears when some of the children he helped evacuate surprised him on stage at our awards, warned the situation in Ukraine’s fourth-largest city is as dire as ever.
On January 14 more than 40 people, including six children, were killed when a Russian rocket smashed into a nine storey apartment block in a residential area of Dnipro.
Today as we launch our search for our unsung heroes of 2023, Stevie, who spent three days in the city visiting orphans supported by his charity Dnipro Kids, tells how the once bustling city has fallen quiet, with buildings obliterated by missiles and air raid sirens ringing out all day and all night.
The 57-year-old from Perth, who won a Special Recognition award at our glittering ceremony, said: “It’s just heartbreaking to see the once bustling city so quiet and on alert. There are ruined buildings everywhere and armed soldiers on the streets. There is such a strange atmosphere.
“There are no trams or trolley buses, the electricity regularly cuts out and the air raid sirens go off all the time warning of rocket attacks. Two missiles hit the city this night last week.
“Fortunately they didn’t cause as much damage or loss of life as the missile attack a few weeks ago. It was right next to an aqua park we used to take our kids too. The devastation really brought it all home.
“For the most part, people in Dnipro are still trying to get on with the rest of their lives as best they can. It’s obviously horrendous what’s going on but the vast majority are still trying to keep some semblance of normality. It’s very surreal and very sad.”
Hibs fan Stevie, who set up the charity to help the city’s orphans in 2005, added: “I went back to Dnipro because we have one orphanage we support that never got evacuated so I needed to visit them.
“The kids here all got Christmas presents so I wanted to make sure they got something too and let them know although they are still there we haven’t forgotten about them.
“The Ukraine is not on the news as much any more but the situation out there is still horrific. The people and the children still need our support so please keep donating and sending clothing and baby supplies.
“The number of orphans is growing by the day due to the conflict and we are trying to help as many as we can through our programme but we can only do so much.”
Dnipro Kids was born after Hibs played Ukrainian side Dnipro in the Uefa Cup in 2005. Travelling fans held a collection for a local orphanage and maintained links after returning to Scotland, founding the charity and setting up a sponsorship scheme for orphans.
In March last year when the Russian offensive began Stevie rescued children from five orphanages, bussing them safely across the border into Poland before bringing them to Scotland.
Thanks to money raised by the charity and the help provided by communities, the kids have been living in the Edinburgh area with Ukrainian house mothers and fathers who care for them in groups of 12.
Electrical engineer Stevie said: “The children have been here now for nearly a year and they are loving it and thriving. They keep telling me how beautiful it is here and how friendly people are. Scotland should be very proud of the welcome they have given the children.
“The kids have enjoyed lots of adventures including a three-day trip to London and several outings to watch Hibs play. One of the highlights was when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon invited them to watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo with her in the Royal Box.”
The Charity Chairman added: “I never imagined that attending a football match all those years ago would change my life forever. I feel humbled to be part of these incredible children’s lives.
“I’ve had so many amazing moments with kids but the one that will stay with me forever is when they all came onto the stage at the Pride of Scotland Awards. I had to choke back my tears as it hit me what our charity had done for them and how much they have changed my life for the better. I still feel truly humbled.”
Today, as we launch nominations for this year’s awards we want to hear about others, like Stevie, who have made a difference in our local communities and beyond.
From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, it’s no wonder the Pride of Scotland has been hailed as the People’s Oscars.
The combination of big hearts and big stars have made the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB a runaway success.
The details of this year’s ceremony, which is set to be a summer spectacular at an iconic venue hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Stevie said: “I feel honoured that someone nominated me for an award in 2022. It was one of the best nights of my life and I urge the nation to get nominating. There are so many amazing Scots out there doing extraordinary things who deserve to be recognised.”
Host Sanjeez said “Pride of Scotland is such a wonderful, life-affirming night, and it is a real honour to be part of it once again this year. The winners are the most incredible people, and I love that we can shine a light on them in such a special way.”
Gary Jones, Customer Delivery Director of TSB, said “TSB has been proud to support the Pride of Scotland Awards since its inception, and each year we look forward to celebrating Scotland’s everyday heroes.
“We are living in challenging times, and that makes it especially important to recognise and celebrate the contribution of the people who do so much to improve the lives of those around them.
“They don’t seek praise for what they do, but we are delighted to be a part of honouring their achievements in helping their communities live a life made more.”
David Dick, editor-in-chief of Reach (Scotland) said: “Heroes come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others - in one simple act or in a lifetime’s work. Pride of Scotland is a celebration of their achievements.”
HOW TO NOMINATE
YOU can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award with TSB, by going to the prideofscotland.org website.
The closing date is Sunday March 26, 2023.
CATEGORIES
Outstanding Bravery
For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
Child/Teenager of Courage
For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.
Young Fundraiser of the Year
To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.
Emergency Services
For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.
Lifetime Achievement
To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
TSB Community Hero
Celebrating the extraordinary people who have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Special Recognition
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.
To nominate go to www.prideofscotland.org/nominate
For more info on past events go to www.prideofscotland.org
