Young Scot Awards 2008: Winner Dedicates Award To Brave Twin

Mar 23 2008 By Heather Greenaway And Gayle Ritchie

THE inspirational Stewart twins are this year's Sunday Mail Young Scots after a night of tears and cheers.

Jamie, 17, picked up the award from First Minister Alex Salmond then dedicated it to the memory of brother Andy who died two years ago of leukaemia aged 15.

From thousands of nominations it was Jamie and Andy's story of courage and determination that moved our judges and touched the hearts of the star-studded audience at the City Halls, Glasgow.

Budding hockey star Andy, of Dunfermline, bravely allowed a BBC film crew to chart his cancer battle - but hid from his family just how scared he was of death.

Clips were played to the 520-strong audience and there was hardly a dry eye as Andy voiced his fear of leaving his family behind.

His legacy lives on through Jamie and Team Andy Stewart, a 41-strong cycling squad which raises funds for Leukaemia Research.

To a standing ovation, Jamie dedicated the award to his twin.

He said: "It was pretty daunting on stage but I did it for my brother. Thinking about him is painful but tonight is a celebration of his life.

"He's always in my mind and he'll stay there forever. I cycle through the pain barrier each time and I will never give up."

The Stewarts' honour was the highlight of the Sunday Mail/Lloyds TSB Awards, supported by our partners at Young Scot.

The glittering night, hosted by GMTV presenter Jenni Falconer, saw 14 youngsters and groups pick up trophies covering a range of topics including community work, arts, sport, entertainment, volunteering, citizenship and cultural diversity.

Mr Salmond said: "Andy was a remarkable young boy and he has an equally remarkable brother.

"To lose a twin must be devastating and to respond by honouring Andy's memory is terrific. It's a triumph over adversity." The boys' family - dad Bob, mum Fiona, and sisters Rhona and Mairi - hugged each other with joy as Jamie collected the trophy.

Fiona said: "Andy would have loved this. He always loved to win, he was so competitive. He would be really proud to see Jamie up there."

X Factor winner Leon Jackson, chart star Amy Macdonald, actor Atta Yaqub, the cast of River City and Motherwell manager Mark McGhee were just some of the celebs, at our street-themed bash.

But the biggest stars were our winners and their fellow nominees.

Sunday Mail editor Allan Rennie said: "I wish all our nominees could be here - but there's not a hall, not an arena, not a stadium big enough." Lisa Stephenson, of title sponsors Lloyds TSB Scotland, added: "Young Scots all across the country are making a difference. These awards showcase youth at its very best."

Young Scot Chief Executive Louise Macdonald said: "It's truly inspiring to hear about all the outstanding achievements of young people across Scotland." And Big Brother Celebrity Hijack Winner John Loughton, who chaired our judging panel, said: "Too many people write off young people as hoodie-wearing, ASBO-collecting louts. It's a stereotypical image of us being the 'problem' in society and one that doesn't hold true."