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The Broons Awards: Mum gives moving speech for her brave boy Jak

Allison Barr gave a moving speech about the bravery of her son Jak Trueman (Chris Austin/ DC Thomson)
Allison Barr (Chris Austin/ DC Thomson)

The event was our inaugural Broons Awards, celebrating the 80th anniversary of The Broons.

In true Sunday Post style we chose to mark this memorable occasion by honouring ordinary people who had done extraordinary things.

Every winner’s story was inspiring and admirable, but when Jak’s mum, Allison Barr, went up to collect the ultimate award for Family of the Year the ballroom at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel fell silent.

Jak Trueman
Jak Trueman

Jak had already been chosen as our Child of Courage.

Just 14 years old when he contracted blood cancer, he passed away at 15.

But he was inspirational in the way he coped with his illness, raising almost £40,000 for cancer charities before his death.

Jak Trueman with Edinburgh rugby players Roddy Grant and Tim Visser
Jak Trueman with Edinburgh rugby players Roddy Grant and Tim Visser

A hush settled around the room as Allison, of Mid Calder, urged the audience to “treasure every moment” with loved ones – for who knows what lies around the corner?

But everyone was on their feet at the end of her moving and uplifting speech.

We’re sure Jak would be proud of his mum and the rest of his family.

Allison and Jak’s sister Aimie, supported by Allison’s mum, Ishbel, dad Walter, and brothers David and Chris, have all carried on Jak’s amazing fundraising efforts.

In December of last year, the first Jak’s Den – a support centre for children with cancer and their families – opened.

“Jak was an amazing, special boy and I’m thrilled he’s being remembered in this way,” said Allison after she’d collected the award in Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.

“We are determined to carry on the work he started while remembering him every day.”

Like our other finalists, Jak’s family had been full of anticipation about the awards.

“To hear his name being announced was amazing. After we’d collected his award, I was so pleased I even had a drink!” Allison said.

“We had no idea there was to be a Family Award – to end up back onstage and collecting another award was fantastic. Jak would be so proud.”

Jak was a huge Broons fan, so it was fitting that he played such a big part in our inaugural awards.


WATCH our video of highlights from the night: VIDEO: The Broons Awards highlights


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