Chris Thomson

Chris has achieved so much for himself and his community. He left school with no qualifications despite being a talented sportsman and keen footballer. he has grown up in one of the most deprived communities in Scotland agaisnt a back drop of drug misues and high levels of anti-social baheviour and unemployment. He began as a volunteer in a local youth project and has devoted hours and weeks of his life to learning new skills and developing his own confidence voluntarily whilst being prepared to undertajke any task asked of him including a lot of hard graft and dull but neccessary work. He has excelled his own expectations and gained many coaching qualifications including in swimming, caneoing, cycling and football. Indeed many swimming sessions at the school wouldn't run if Chris wasn't there as our Lifeguard. He is now putting back loads into the community. he has been a longterm volunteer leader and training of promary age children in cycling skills and road safety. He keeps himself fit and shares his enjoyment of water-based and rock based activities. The young people look up to him as a mentor and he has guided a number of people away from anti-social behaviour and unhealthy lifestyles. He is a major asset to oru organsation and to his community. Few are more deserving of an opportunity to shine than Chris who in his own words would never have believed he'd be qualified to do the things he can do for people now.