Published: Wednesday, 30th December, 2009 3:20pm

CREATIVE DAD WINS TOP AWARD

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FUNDRAISING champion Tom Wilson flew the flag for Barrhead at a recent national awards ceremony.

The athlete, who came top of the pack in the Diabetes UK Scotland award's creative fundraiser category, has raised more than £15,000 for the charity in 2009, with ventures that took him across the globe.

Over the past year, Tom, a policeman based at Glasgow's Helen Street station, has taken part in a whirlwind of events to raise cash for the organisation, putting in tremendous effort to gain the sponsorship and support he needed from locals.

Amazingly, Tom, from Barrhead, has cycled from John O' Groats to Lands End, run up the UK's three highest peaks in a record breaking time, climbed Kilimanjaro, and even taken on the New York marathon - all in the last twelve months.

The charity is particularly special to Tom, 50, following the diagnosis of his son Adam with the disease when he was barely six-years-old.

Adam's condition only came to light when his family spotted him drinking unusually large amounts of water.

Delighted at his win, Tom said: "Adam is 21 now and has enjoyed an easier ride for the last four years.

"He suffered terrible hypos when he was younger and it was then that I decided to try to raise some cash for a diabetes charity.

"I'm really pleased to be a winner for this award. It was all very much appreciated and I am already planning ahead to next year."

Staff from the organisation were thrilled with Tom's efforts, and were elated to be able to thank him through this award scheme.

National director of Diabetes UK Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson, said: "Tom has proved to be a real inspiration to us all. His enthusiasm for fundraising is infectious and he has helped to raise awareness of diabetes in the community. He thoroughly deserves this award for the huge difference his fundraising will make to our diabetes research and care projects."

Tom would like to thank three businesses for their support. Local Barrhead pub Snooks has held regular fundraising nights in aid of the cause, as have the Malletsheugh Inn in Newton Mearns. and outdoor clothing and equipment giant Vango donated the kit for him to complete his climbs.

Anyone looking for more information and advice on the condition should log on to www.diabetes.org.uk