Robert Burns Humanitarian Award
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA) is presented annually near Robert Burns' birthday to an individual or group whose selfless actions have saved, improved, or enriched the lives of others or society. This recognition honors contributions made through self-sacrifice, charitable work, hands-on volunteering, or other significant acts of service.The winner receives a symbolic 1759 guinea—representing Burns' birth year and the currency of the time—and a bespoke Scottish-crafted award.A distinguished panel, chaired by David Anderson of South Ayrshire Council, selects the recipient. The judges include media figures (Kaye Adams, John Cairney), Burns specialists (Nat Edwards, Robert Stewart), past winners (Habib Malik, Guy Willoughby), and corporate leaders (Rob Woodward of STV).
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Garth Knox | Canada | 2025 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 23 | Gail Penfold | United Kingdom | 2024 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 22 | Dr Renuka Ramakrishnan | India | 2023 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 21 | Dr Digambar Narzary | India | 2022 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 20 | Mark Williamson (Sweet for Addicts) | United Kingdom | 2021 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 19 | Josh Littlejohn MBE | United Kingdom | 2020 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 18 | Jasvinder Sanghera CBE | United Kingdom | 2019 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 17 | Anna Ferrer | United Kingdom | 2018 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 16 | Marcelline Budza | Congo | 2017 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 15 | David Nott | United Kingdom | 2016 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 14 | Olivia Giles | Scotland | 2015 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 13 | Blanche Nicolson | Scotland | 2014 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 12 | Khalil Dale | United Kingdom | 2013 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 11 | Karen Graham | Scotland | 2012 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 10 | Linda Norgrove | United Kingdom | 2011 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 9 | Habib Malik | Scotland | 2010 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 8 | Guy Willoughby | United Kingdom | 2009 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 7 | Jonathan Kaplan | South Africa | 2008 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 6 | Adi Roche | Ireland | 2007 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 5 | Marla Ruzicka | United States | 2006 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 4 | Pius Ncube | Zimbabwe | 2005 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 3 | Clive Stafford Smith | United Kingdom | 2004 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 2 | Yitzhak Frankenthal | Israel | 2003 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. | |
| 1 | John E. Sulston | United Kingdom | 2002 | selflessness and dedication, Work to improve the lives of others, Protect and promote human rights, Deliver social reform, and Bring hope and inspiration. |
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Laureates (2030 ~ 2021)
Garth Knox
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2025
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA), supported by South Ayrshire Council, recognises courage, commitment, inspiration and hands-on humanitarian efforts from people of any nationality, race, age or gender. This globally-respected honour is bestowed annually on a group or individual who shows selflessness and dedication in a bid to save, enrich or improve the lives of others through the protection and promotion of human rights and work to deliver social reform. This much sought after humanitarian award applauds the efforts of people who bring hope and inspiration, often in desperate situations, and help change lives for the better. We are looking for nominations for those who have saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or direct humanitarian work. It doesn’t have to be someone you know; someone you’ve read about, seen on TV, or someone you’ve long admired.The 2024 winner was Garth Knox. Garth has dedicated four decades to volunteering with charitable organisations. Since 2011, he has been a key member of GlobalMedic, an Ontario-based Non-Governmental Organisation specialising in disaster relief. He is the only volunteer in the organisation's history to relocate permanently. Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2025
Gail Penfold
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2024
A community campaigner has won the 2024 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA).Gail Penfold won the prestigious award during a special online ceremony which took place on 25 January 2024 to celebrate Burns Night.The RBHA, supported by South Ayrshire Council's Destination South Ayrshire team, recognises courage, commitment, inspiration, and hands-on humanitarian efforts from people of any nationality, race, age, or gender.Gail lives in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, and has been an avid volunteer, fundraiser, and campaigner in the community for five decades.As Chair of the Walthamstow Stadium Area Residents/Community Association, Gail provides a debt management, benefits and money-advice service. Her dedication to helping those in moments of crisis led to her being named as one of the top ten Queen's Platinum Champions for Crisis and Welfare.Gail campaigned to retain the Margaret Centre for palliative care at Whipps Cross Hospital and organised the first silent/autism friendly funfair in Waltham Forest. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to organising day trips for locals who are unable to afford a holiday.Gail's impact goes beyond her borough, as she pioneered the first GP-led gardening welfare group in Waltham Forest, a model that has been expanded across London. She volunteers at Waltham Forest Pet Foodbank and provides an advisory service to other pet foodbanks throughout the UK.On receiving the award, Gail said: "To be named the 23rd recipient of The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award on the 265th anniversary of his birth is such an honour and privilege. I will treasure the memories made today forever."Martin Dowey, Chair of the RBHA judging panel, and Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "Congratulations to Gail Penfold for winning the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2024. Her unwavering dedication has touched numerous lives, exemplifying the altruistic attitude that inspires and uplifts our community. I would like to wish her and all this year's nominees the very best for the future."Also recognised at the award ceremony was fellow finalist Annie McLaughlan.Annie, from Irvine, Ayrshire, has spent her whole life working on community projects. Fondly known as "The Roadrunner", the retired nurse ensures the elderly have access to warm social spaces where they can enjoy a hot meal.She is Chairperson of the Vineburgh Community Association which she helped found in 2005. The association runs a foodbank, operates a drop-in café with meals available for £1, and hosts support groups and classes.Robert Burns, born on January 25, 1759, is widely honoured as Scotland's national poet. Renowned for his lyrical poetry and songs like "Auld Lang Syne" and "Tam o' Shanter," Burns' writings frequently celebrated common folk and tackled societal concerns. The award celebrates Robert Burns' legacy by showcasing the outstanding work of its recipients.
Renuka Ramakrishnan
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2023
A consultant dermatologist specialising in leprosy has won the 2023 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA).Dr Renuka Ramakrishnan won the prestigious award during a special online ceremony which took place on 25 January 2023 to celebrate Burns Night.The RBHA, supported by South Ayrshire Council's Destination South Ayrshire team, recognises courage, commitment, inspiration, and hands-on humanitarian efforts from people of any nationality, race, age, or gender.Dr Renuka Ramakrishnan is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist who has specialised in the treatment of Hansen's Disease (leprosy) for the past 30 years.Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, she is fondly known as 'Doctor Amma' and has been recognised for her work in the treatment of leprosy on many occasions.As well as a doctor, she acts as counsellor, mentor, motivational speaker, and educator. She also campaigns to raise awareness of breast cancer and crimes against women, children, and the transgender community.Dr Ramakrishnan has already helped 10,000 leprosy patients receive free consultations and treatment and assisted a total of 250,000 patients through more than 1,500 free medical camps.On receiving the award, Dr Ramakrishnan said: "I am humbled and honoured. I am so thankful to God, my family, my patients, and my colleagues across India for this recognition."To be recognised with an award that bears Robert Burns' name itself is a privilege for me and is very special indeed."Thank you to South Ayrshire Council and the judging panel who have chosen me for this wonderful award."I dedicate this award to my leprosy patients and I will always work towards their upliftment in the community."Martin Dowey, Chair of the RBHA judging panel, and Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "Congratulations to Dr Ramakrishnan for winning the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2023. Without her work thousands of people would have been left without diagnosis, treatment and support. She is an incredibly selfless humanitarian and thoroughly deserves this award. I would like to wish her and the other finalists and nominees the very best for the future."Also recognised at the award ceremony were fellow finalists John Flanagan and Hansel Foundation.John, from Oldham, has been living and working in the Philippines since 2010, helping the poor, infirm and homeless. Over the last 12 years, he has helped thousands of individuals and communities across the Philippines, including supporting people to find food, clothing, medical help, employment, homes, and toys.Hansel Foundation was founded in the Ayrshire village of Symington in 1963 with the primary aim of breaking down barriers faced by people with additional support needs.Robert Burns was born in Alloway in 1759 and died at the age of 37 but his poetry has had an impact across the world. It is estimated that 9.5 million people attend Burns Suppers every year and there are statues of Burns in New York, Sydney and Estonia.His compassion and humanity are reflected in poems such as "To a Mouse" and "A Man's A Man for a' That". The award celebrates Robert Burns' legacy by showcasing the outstanding work of its recipients.
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Digambar Narzary
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2022
A doctor tackling human trafficking in north east India, has won the 2022 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA).Dr Digambar Narzary won the prestigious award during a special online ceremony which took place on 25 January 2022 to celebrate Burns Night.The RBHA is supported by South Ayrshire Council and EventScotland and is the first event in 'Once Upon A Time in Ayrshire', a year-long programme that will celebrate Scotland's Year of Stories 2022, with more details to be announced soon.Dr Narzary is the founder of an organisation called NEDAN which tackles the far-reaching problems that result from human trafficking.Since its formation in 2004, it's estimated that NEDAN has rescued and repatriated around 6,100 girls. Thanks to Dr Narzary, these young women have been saved from horrors such as sexual slavery; bonded labour; forced marriage; and the illegal trafficking of human organs.The rescued children are mentored and encouraged to study, sit exams, and gain further education. NEDAN has also established five drop-in centres in remote communities, and so far, 350 socially excluded children have accessed education through these centres.The organisation has created a 'Destination Girls Campus' for rescued children, which provides counselling and support to those who don't have family.NEDAN also works directly with tribal communities to end violence against children. This has led to the establishment of Child Protection Committees in many villages.On receiving the RBHA, Dr Narzary said: ""I am extremely happy, and overwhelmed to be receiving this award on behalf of the NEDAN Foundation which has been working tirelessly for nearly 20 years to deliver ground-breaking work to help vulnerable children in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Assam North East India. This award will highlight the efforts of the NEDAN Foundation and will help bring the global community together to fight the human trafficking menace in North East India."Chair of the RBHA judging panel and Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said: "Congratulations to Dr Narzary for winning the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2022. Without his intervention thousands of children would have faced a future too terrifying to contemplate. He is shining example of a selfless humanitarian and thoroughly deserves this award. I would like to wish him, the other finalists and all the nominees the very best for the future."Also recognised at the award ceremony were fellow finalists Sister Lucy Kurien and Paul Kasonkomona.Sister Lucy Kurien works in India and is the founder and director of Maher, a community and interfaith organisation for abused and destitute women and children.Paul Kasonkomona is a human rights defender and executive director of the Centre for Tolerance and Peace, in Zambia.As well as the RBHA 2022 title, Dr Narzary receives the equivalent of 1759 guineas (approximately £1,800) - a sum which signifies the year of the Bard's birth and the coinage in circulation at that time.
Mark Williamson
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2021
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere's initiative to support and promote sustainable enterprise is open for applications from 1 March 2022. Now in its fourth year, the Biosphere Certification Mark scheme is open to businesses based within the Biosphere region who fall into any of five categories: Food and Drink, Accommodation, Attractions, Businesses and Services, and Creative Industries.While the GSA Biosphere is celebrated for its unique landscapes and wildlife, equally important are the villages and towns where independent businesses of all sizes can thrive. The Biosphere Certification Mark scheme seeks to increase understanding of what sustainability means in employment, enterprise, and the regional economy, and to build stronger connections not only between sectors but between businesses and the communities in which they are based. Businesses that achieve the Biosphere Certification Mark benefit from association with UNESCO's global brand, including through promotion on Scotland's UNESCO Trail, a unique collaboration between UNESCO sites nationwide which showcases sustainable tourism to visitors from the UK and abroad.The designation 'UNESCO Biosphere' is currently the only internationally recognised badge for sustainability. Awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the title denotes world class environments with singular opportunities for social and economic development. The Biosphere has a dedicated Business Development team who work closely with certification mark applicants, offering advice on sustainability as well as networking opportunities and marketing support. New for 2022 is a programme of webinars designed to help businesses tell their own 'green stories' on their websites and social media, in order to better connect with a customer base that is increasingly eco-aware.Marie McNulty, the GSA Biosphere's Business Development lead, says, "Since the Biosphere Certification Mark was launched in 2018 we have welcomed more than thirty businesses to the scheme. We're very focused on recognising the amazing work that's already being done in the name of sustainability: the certification mark celebrates a huge amount of innovation, hard work, progress and success. This round of applications is the first of two that will be running this year and we encourage anyone interested to join our webinars or drop us an email for more information."Councillor Alec Clark who represents South Ayrshire Council as a Board Member said: "As an elected Councillor for Girvan and South Carrick and a Board Member of the Unesco Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, I am delighted to see that applications for the Biosphere Certification Mark will open on 1 March. This is a prestigious certification mark for any business to achieve and proudly display. It is also widely recognised as a mark of sustainability and eco-friendliness that will be sought out by a wide section of the population who support environmentally friendly business. Applications are open to all business large and small. Examples of local businesses who have achieved certification are Land Energy at Grangestone Estate Girvan and Lindsay Guidi's Cook School at the Richmond Hall Kirkoswald."The business team are hosting an online event on Thursday 17 March for anyone who wants to find out more about applying for the Biosphere Certification Mark, to be followed on Thursday 7 April by a Green Stories webinar.
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Laureates (2020 ~ 2011)
Josh Littlejohn
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2020
Josh is the co-founder of Social Bite, a chain of sandwich - coffee shops which
give 100 percent of their profits to good causes. Each year, the shops give more
than one hundred and forty thousand items of free healthy food to vulnerable
people.
Since 2015, Josh's Social Bite Fund has been helping to eradicate
homelessness across Scotland and beyond. Promotion of the fund led to the
'CEO Sleep Out' in Edinburgh which in turn led to 'Sleep in the Park' with 8,000
people sleeping out to raise £4 million to help the homeless.
In December 2019 'The World's Big Sleep Out' took place with sixty thousand
people participating in 50 cities across the world.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Josh also set up the Social Bite Academy. This
gives homeless people the chance to get back on their feet through volunteering
and work experience. He also founded Brewgooder, a craft beer that donates
100% of its profits to clean water projects.
Josh received an MBE in the 2016 New Year's Honours List for services to social
enterprise and entrepreneurship and the following year he was awarded an
Honorary Doctorate by Edinburgh University.
Jasvinder Sanghera
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2019
Born in Derby, Jasvinder's humanitarian journey began when she escaped a
forced marriage by running away from home at the age of 16 – only to find
herself disowned by her family.
Her four older sisters were taken individually to India to enter forced marriages.
It was after one of her sisters committed suicide to escape the domestic abuse
of her marriage that Jasvinder decided to found Karma Nirvana – an awardwinning charity that supports victims of honour-based abuse and forced
marriage.
Founded in 1993, the charity operates a national helpline to support victims in
immediate danger and currently receives around 800 calls per month. Since its
inception in 2008, it has received more than 78,000 calls for service.
Crucially, the charity doesn't just work to support the victims, it also works to
inform and educate the professionals who will encounter victims too. This
includes dedicated training and development for the likes of the police, NHS and
social services, as well as in schools.
Jasvinder was instrumental in ensuring that the UK police are required to
improve their understanding of honour-based abuse and forced marriage by
inspections conducted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
Jasvinder is regarded as an expert advisor to the courts in matters of child, civil
and criminal proceedings and the charity, which is based in Leeds, also acts as
expert witnesses in court, raises awareness at events nationally and
internationally, and lobbies government.
Jasvinder's efforts over a decade of lobbying government and campaigning
were pivotal in creating a new law that made forced marriage a criminal offence
in the UK. The legislation has now been in place for five years and this had led
the way for the p
Anna Ferrer
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2018
Anna was born in Essex and has worked in India since the mid-1960s – was
recognised for her decades of dedication and devotion to women's rights and
tackling poverty in her adopted homeland.
Anna fights for equality to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities and
same chances in life.
Along with her husband, Vicente, Anna set up the Rural Development Trust
(RDT) – with a particular focus on women's rights – in 1969. Focusing on the
promotion, and provision, of education, health and homes, RDT now impacts the
lives of 3.6 million people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Over almost 50 years, RDT has established four major hospitals, six rural
clinics, two mobile clinics and other special-care centres that administer
treatment for basic to advanced ailments and infectious diseases. It has also
launched its own supplementary schools, built housing and accommodation,
and created access to water – all of which has transformed lives
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Marcelline Budza
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2017
Marcelline founded the women's coffee producing association Rebuild
Women's Hope (RWH) in 2013. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the
country considered the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman,
she has helped many women regain their economic empowerment as coffee
farmers.
Inspired by her mother's example of raising a young family on her own,
Marcelline went to university before establishing RWH as a platform to
combat the misconceptions about women, and help ensure other women
could provide for their households, reach their potential and become
economically active members of society.
The organisation works to create a spirit of entrepreneurship and self–
management in women, in order to raise the standard of living in their
communities and across their nation.
Marcelline and RWH have helped more than 1,000 women register as farmers
and subsequently sell their coffee to Coffeelac SARL (the DRC's
largest Arabica coffee export company) for international distribution through
Falcon Coffees in the UK.
David Nott
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2016
Dr David Nott is a life-saving British doctor, known as the 'Indiana Jones of
surgery’, who literally had to dodge bombs and stare down the barrel of a gun
while he worked to save lives.
A Consultant Surgeon at Royal Marsden, St Mary's and Chelsea and
Westminster Hospitals, David has given up several months every year for
more than two decades to volunteer with Médecins Sans Frontières and the
International Committee of the Red Cross in war zones and amidst major
humanitarian crises.
His efforts have seen him performing life-saving surgery in areas such as
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iraq,
Libya, Pakistan and Syria – and in some of the most desperate conditions.
David's first posting took him to the state hospital in Bosnia, which was known
as 'the Swiss cheese' because it was pockmarked with bullet holes, and that
was to shape his experience for many years to come.
David has now taken his skills and experience and established the David Nott
Foundation – a UK registered charity that provides surgeons and medical
professionals with the skills they need to provide relief and assistance in
conflict and natural disaster zones around the world.
As well as providing the best medical care, David Nott Foundation surgeons
will train local healthcare professionals; leaving a legacy of education and
improved health outcomes.
Olivia Giles
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2015
Olivia Giles is an Edinburgh lawyer who lost her hands and feet following a
serious illness and then set up a charity to provide people in developing
countries with prosthetic limbs so they can walk.
It was 13 years ago, after contracting meningitis and needing emergency
surgery, that Olivia had to be told the devastating news that her hands and
feet had been amputated to save her life.
Once back to full strength and very conscious how lucky she was to be alive,
Olivia began to raise both money and awareness for the likes of the
Meningitis Trust and other charities.
During this time, Olivia learned about the difficulties experienced by amputees
in developing countries, who didn't have access to the same kind of healthcare
and support that she herself had experienced.
Instead, many of these people – including large numbers of children – were
ostracised from their community and Olivia set out to tackle this by founding
the charity, '500 miles', just five years' after the loss of her hands and feet.
500 miles is all about supporting the development and delivery of prosthetic
and orthotic services to people with impaired mobility in Malawi, Zambia and,
to a lesser degree, in Zanzibar. Thanks to Olivia's efforts, 500 miles now has
two centres in Malawi, run in cooperation with the Malawian Ministry of
Health. Together, these centres now provide more than 1,650 devices each
year to people who badly need them.
The charity also funds and subsidises people to receive prosthetic and
orthotic devices in Zanzibar and Zambia. Olivia's work for the charity was
recognised in 2010 when she was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The
Queen.
Blanche Nicolson
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2014
Blanche Nicolson from the charity Hansel was selected as the 2014 winner for
her tireless efforts to continue the humanitarian work her parents started 50
years ago.
Blanche's sister Lindy was born with Down's Syndrome and, concerned for her
future, her parents, Isobel and Tom Murdoch, founded the charity Hansel,
which provides services and support to people living with learning disabilities.
For more than 50 years, Blanche has been at the heart of that support,
working tirelessly to make a positive difference for people with learning
disabilities and to make sure they enjoy the same opportunities as anyone
else.
Thanks to Blanche's passion and belief that everyone is equal, and an
understanding that it is necessary at times to fight prejudice, she has worked
above and beyond her day job to make sure people get the most benefit from
Hansel and the services it offers – whether through community living options,
education, employment, residential services, respite and leisure and social
opportunities.
Blanche has also led the way in the social care sector, working in partnership
with local Councils, social work departments, health boards, employers,
schools and the people of Ayrshire, changing perceptions about what it means
to live with a learning disability and showcasing how full and active a part in
society people with disabilities can play.
Khalil Dale
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2013
Khalil Dale MBE was a British Red Cross aid worker who was abducted and
killed in Pakistan in 2012.Khalil Rhasjed Dale was born Kenneth Robin Dale in York but changed his
name to Khalil when he became a Muslim.
A caring and compassionate man, he became a nurse – like his mother –
working initially as a casualty nurse at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
He went on to become a medic on a North Sea oil rig before studying at the
University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies.
In 1981, he joined the Red Cross and began a career of humanitarian work
overseas – much of it for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement. His first posting was to Kenya where he was involved in
distributing food and improving the health of people affected by severe
drought.
This was followed by many years in some of the most dangerous places in the
world – war zones and famine regions – including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq,
Sudan and Somalia where Khalil was responsible for food distribution,
healthcare and development projects, which benefitted tens of thousands of
people.
It was for his humanitarian work in Somalia that Khalil was awarded the MBE
in 1994, which he received from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.
He returned to Dumfries in 1998 to care for his mother. While back in Scotland,
he continued to help others, working as a nurse and for Turning Point Scotland
– a charity dealing with alcohol addictions and drug and mental health
problems.
At the beginning of 2011, Khalil left Dumfries to take up what would be his last
post with a Red Cross programme in Quetta, Pakistan, providing healthcare
and physical rehabilitation to people wounded in conflict.
Khalil's brother Ian said his brother would have been humbled by such
recognition.
He added: "Khalil had a deep affinity with Scotland and, to him, Scotland was
always his home so he would have been delighted to be named winner of the
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.
"Khalil very much saw himself as someone who just got on with his job
wherever that happened to be and he would have been very humbled by this
accolade, which is testament to the lives he changed and the legacy he
leaves behind.
Karen Graham
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2012
Karen Graham, a Scottish nurse working within the Oil Clinic in Tripoli, Libya
won the 2012 award in recognition of her humanitarian efforts to care for
patients – with little regard for her own personal safety – during the Libyan
civil war conflict.
Originally from Clydebank, Karen took up a nursing position in Tripoli in
November 2010, quickly being promoted to matron/nursing services manager
within the 130 bed district hospital, which is also known as the 11th June
Clinic.
In August 2011 the hospital became the centre of trauma medicine during the
Libyan civil war conflict. With its proximity to a NATO target area the hospital
became caught up in the conflict, with the building sustaining substantial
damage.
Despite gunfire and shells raining down on the city, and putting their own lives
at risk on a daily basis, Karen and two other British nurses chose to remain at
the hospital, continuing to administer care to their patients. Karen’s dedication
epitomised humanitarian work in action and is an inspiration to others.
On winning, Karen said: “I’m just a nurse doing a job I love and that doesn’t
change when you suddenly have to deal with civil war and heavy fighting in
the vicinity of the hospital which resulted in us caring for the casualties of the
conflict rather than the oil workers we were used to looking after. I’m really
glad I stayed.”
Linda Norgrove
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2011
The 2011 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award was given posthumously to
Scottish aid worker Linda Norgrove who died on 8 October 2010 during a US
military-led rescue mission to free her from Afghanistani captors. Linda was
given the award in recognition of her humanitarian work in Afghanistan.
Linda was kidnapped on 26 September 2010 while working on the
development of agricultural projects in unstable areas of Afghanistan’s Kunar
province. She was Regional Director for American-based aid organisation
Development Alternatives Inc (DAI).
Born in Altnaharra, Sutherland, in 1974, Linda grew up on the Isle of Lewis in
Scotland’s Western Isles. Linda was a highly qualified environmental expert
who joined the World Wildlife Fund in Peru in 2002, working on poverty
reduction, conservation and protecting indigenous communities and their
rights. Between 2005 and 2008 she worked with the United Nations on
environmentally sustainable development projects in Afghanistan. Linda
worked with the UN in Laos for over a year before returning to Afghanistan in
February 2010 with DAI.
Linda’s parents John and Lorna Norgrove – who collected the Robert Burns
Humanitarian Award on her behalf – set up the Linda Norgrove Foundation in
her memory. The Foundation aims to continue Linda’s good work, offering
education, health and childcare to women and children affected by the war in
Afghanistan.
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Laureates (2010 ~ 2001)
Habib Malik
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2010
Born in Pakistan, Habib Malik came to Scotland at the age of 18, reportedly
unable to speak a word of English. However he quickly fell in love with the
country and its language, graduating with a masters degree in Chemistry.
After working with Imperial Chemical Industries in Dumfries for two years he
took over the family motor trade business, before establishing a scrapyard in
Aberdeen.
Renowned for his desire to see an end to poverty, friends encouraged him to
apply for a post with Islamic Relief, an international charity that aims to
alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people. Habib has held the
position of Scotland Manager of the Disasters Emergency Committee within
Islamic Relief since 2003.
His work has taken him all over the world, to countless tragic and desperate
scenes that require the care, love and dedication of people to help ease
sorrow of victims. Habib has seen firsthand the destruction that followed the
2004 tsunami in south-east Asia, earthquakes in Kashmir and Iran, the 2007
cyclone in Bangladesh, and bombings in Gaza and Lebanon.
He says: “I have witnessed much suffering in my work as an Islamic Relief aid
worker but I have been greatly blessed by seeing wonderful results of people's
lives being transformed by the love and physical aid they have received.”
As well as being given the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award in 2010, Habib
received the Scottish Asian Business ‘Community Award’ in 2011 and a
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scottish Young Muslims in 2008. Habib
Malik is now a member of the judging panel for the Robert Burns Humanitarian
Award.
Guy Willoughby
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2009
Along with the late Colin Campbell Mitchell, Guy Willoughby – a former
Coldstream Guard and Corinthian amateur jockey – founded The Halo Trust in
1988 at the age of 28. Specialising in removing war debris, The Halo Trust is
the world’s oldest and largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation,
having destroyed more than 1.4 million landmines and 52 million bullets to
date.
Guy and Colin spent two years developing the concept of providing civilian
mine clearance as an act of humanity for two years prior to establishing the
Trust in 1988 while in Kabul. The Trust was founded with the mission
statement: ‘Getting mines out of the ground, now’.
The Halo Trust now has 8,000 staff working around the world clearing
landmines and unexploded bombs as an act of charity. Missions have been
carried out in countries such as Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mozambique,
Angola, Chechnya, Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Colombia. Assessment missions
have also been conducted in mine-impacted countries such as Bosnia,
Lebanon, Vietnam, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tajikistan.
The global headquarters for The Halo Trust is based at Thornhill,
Dumfriesshire, Scotland. In August 2011 American actress Angelina Jolie
visited the headquarters at Thornhill. Jolie and her partner actor Brad Pitt are
long-standing supporters of The Halo Trust.
Guy was presented with the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award in 2009 by
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. Guy Willoughby, who is CEO of The
Halo Trust, is now a member of the judging panel for the Robert Burns
Humanitarian Award.
Jonathan Kaplan
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2008
Born in South Africa, Jonathan Kaplan is a hospital surgeon and author who
has become a renowned humanitarian aid surgeon. After studying medicine at
Cape Town University, in London and Boston, Jonathan volunteered with a
humanitarian aid agency, being stationed behind the Kurdish frontline in the
early 1990s. He has since enlisted on a number of charitable missions to
conflict and war zones around the world, from Eritrea and Angola to
Mozambique, Burma and Baghdad.
At the heart of Jonathan’s work is his ability to help innocent people who have
become the victims of the atrocities of war. His experiences led him to write two
books – The Dressing Station (2001) and Contact Wounds (2006) – which give
graphic detail of working in extreme conditions and performing surgery in the
most horrific conditions while battling his own fatigue. He has also produced
and directed television documentaries for Channel 4.
His father and mother were both doctors – his father was an army surgeon at
El Alamein who later volunteered in Israel. Jonathan lives in London where he
works as a surgeon and GP for the NHS, though he remains on standby to go
to war zones. He is also much in demand to train medics on frontline
healthcare and is a member of the Faculty of Conflict and Catastrophe
Medicine in London.
Jonathan Kaplan received the 2008 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award – actor
and UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor and founder of the Ozanam Clubs
for disabled young people James Lynch were also shortlisted that year.
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Adi Roche
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2007
Adi Roche is a campaigner for peace, humanitarian aid, education and justice.
Born in Co Tipperary, Ireland, she founded the Irish-based charity Chernobyl
Children International (CCI) in 1991, providing aid to the children of Belarus,
Western Russia and Ukraine. She founded the charity after receiving a fax from
doctors in the Chernobyl area reading ‘SOS appeal. For god’s sake, help us to
get the children out’.
The fax was sent five years after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster – when
most people assumed the danger was over. Since its formation CCI has
delivered more than 91 million Euros to the areas most affected by the nuclear
disaster and has brought more than 22,000 children to Ireland for essential
medical treatment through the Rest and Recuperation Programme, with
terminally ill children being cared for at the late Paul Newman’s therapeutic
recreation centre in Co Kildare.
After working for Irish airline Aer Lingus for a number of years, Adi took
redundancy to become a full-time volunteer for the Irish Campaign for Nuclear
Disarmament. It was while working here that she received the Chernobyl fax.
In 1990 Adi became the first Irish woman elected to the Board of Directors of
the International Peace Bureau in Geneva. She has since worked extensively
with the United Nations and in 2006, marking the 20th anniversary of the
Chernobyl disaster, she was asked to sit on the organising committee for the
International Chernobyl Conference in Minsk.
Today, Adi continues to be Chief Executive of Chernobyl Children
International. As well as the 2007 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, she has
received the European Person of the Year (1996), Irish Person of the Year
(1996), European Woman Laureate Award (2002), and Health Award at the
World of Children Award (2010).
Marla Ruzicka
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2006
Marla Ruzicka died at the age of 28, having been killed by a car bomb in
Baghdad on 16 April 2005. The young woman was a passionate relief worker
who founded CIVIC, the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict.
The 2006 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award was presented posthumously to
American-born Marla’s sister Jill Leighton, who travelled from Los Angeles to
Scotland to collect the award on her behalf.
Born in Lakeport, California, Marla attended Long Island University. She first
went to Afghanistan while working for Global Exchange, an international
human rights organisation. In 2003 she founded CIVIC, an organisation that
counted civilian casualties and assisted Iraqi victims of the 2003 US invasion
of Iraq.
Before her death, Marla had successfully lobbied the US Government through
Senator Patrick Leahy to provide much needed medical, vocational and other
forms of assistance for Afghan and Iraqi families and communities harmed as
a result of the US and coalition military operations.
To date, CIVIC has conducted research and advocacy which has led directly
to NATO approving its first compensation policy for Afghan war victims.
Working with Senator Leahy and the US Congress, it has also created the first
ever livelihood assistance programmes for civilians harmed in Iraq, Afghanistan
and Pakistan - $166 million has been secured for these programmes so far.
Pius Ncube
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2005
His Grace the Most Reverend Dr Pius Ncube served as the Roman Catholic
Archbishop of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, until 2007. He has long been a gallant
advocate for human rights in his home country, being an outspoken critic of
President Robert Mugabe, demanding that his government address
increasing food and economic crises, and put an end to widespread torture
and rape.
Archbishop Ncube, a member of Zimbabwe’s minority Ndebele ethnic group,
has received many death threats for his human rights activities. In 2003 he
received a Human Rights Award from Human Rights First for speaking out
against torture and confronting the Mugabe government for allegedly starving
some regions of Zimbabwe for political reasons. He has gone to great lengths
to gather evidence of human rights abuses, to the danger of his own life.
Pius Ncube was trained by Jesuits in the former Rhodesia for seven years,
then studied in Rome for two years before returning to his homeland in the
1970s, at the height of independence war. He has witnessed – and spoken out
against – brutality under President Mugabe’s government since the 1980s
when the president was involved in armed struggle against the Ndebele.
Archbishop Ncube was presented with the 2005 Robert Burns Humanitarian
Award at a ceremony held in Culzean Castle. On receiving the award, he
dedicated it to Zimbabweans who are persecuted in their country.
He said: “I feel from the bottom my heart that I don’t deserve this award but I
accept it on behalf of those in Zimbabwe whose suffering is unabated and
whose struggle continues.”
Clive Stafford Smith
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2004
Clive Stafford Smith is a British-born lawyer who specialises in civil rights and
the death penalty in the USA. Awarded the OBE in 2000 for ‘humanitarian
services in the legal field’, he returned to live in the UK in 2004, taking up the
post of Legal Director of the UK branch of the human rights not-for-profit
charity Reprieve which he founded.
To date, Clive has represented more than 300 prisoners facing the death
penalty in the southern United States. He has also helped secure the release
of 65 prisoners from Guantanamo Bay – including every British prisoner – and
continues to act on behalf of 15 more.
Born in Cambridge, he studied journalism at the University of North Carolina
before enrolling in Columbia University’s Law School in New York. He worked
as a lawyer for nine years with the Southern Center for Human Rights, working
on behalf of death penalty cases and other civil rights issues, before moving to
New Orleans where he launched the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Center, a
non-profit law office specialising in the representation of poor people in death
penalty cases.
Reprieve uses the law to enforce the human rights of prisoners. The
organisation now has 25 full-time staff in London, five Fellows in the USA, two
Fellows in Pakistan and many volunteers around the world.
As well as receiving the 2004 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, Clive
Stafford Smith has been awarded the Gandhi International Peace Award
(2005), and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Award (2010).
Yitzhak Frankenthal
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2003
Yitzhak Frankenthal became a Middle Eastern peace activist after his son Arik
was abducted and killed by the Hamas while serving as a soldier in the Israeli
army. He founded the Parents Circle – Families Forum, which has grown into
an organisation of more than 500 Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families who
are calling for reconciliation and peace, rather than revenge.
Following the death of his son in July 1994, Yitzhak, a former businessman,
trawled through decades of news reports to find the names of Israeli parents
whose children had been killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He brought
bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families together at Gaza, a meeting that
resulted in the Families Forum. The Forum aims to bring comfort to bereaved
Israeli parents, Palestinians and Jews, who have lost children either during
army service or due to acts of terrorism.
In 2004 Yitzhak founded the Arik Institute for Reconciliation, Tolerance and
Peace – the organisation’s work includes media outreach, and bringing
Palestinian speakers to talk to Israeli youth preparing for military service. The
Fund for Reconciliation, Tolerance and Peace superseded the Arik Institute
when it was established in 2009 by singer Leonard Cohen. Cohen had
performed a concert in Israel to honour 400 bereaved Palestinians and
Israelis who had lost family members in the conflict. He was so inspired by
these people that he donated the proceeds from the concert to establish the
Fund for Reconciliation, Tolerance and Peace.
Yitzhak, who received the 2003 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, holds the
position of Executive Director of the Fund for Reconciliation, Tolerance and
Peace.
Sir John Edward Sulston
Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2002
The first ever recipient of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, Sir John E
Sulston is a British biologist who has dedicated his life to biological research.
He played a central role in the human genome sequencing project and jointly
received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2002.
Sir John graduated from Cambridge University where he completed his PhD
on the chemical synthesis of DNA. He then studied prebiotic chemistry in
America. On returning to the UK he joined the MRC Laboratory of Molecular
Biology in Cambridge where he studied the biology and genetics of the
nematode worm – his team collaborated with Washington University to
sequence the genome of this model organism.
In 1992 Sir John became the founding Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger
Institute in Cambridgeshire, which made the UK’s contribution to the
international Human Genome Project. The Institute was launched with 15 staff
working from temporary laboratories but now has a 900-strong workforce and
state-of-the-art buildings.
Though he stood down as Director in 2000, following the completion of the
draft human genome sequence, he continued to work on the Sanger Centre’s
contribution to the human genome until 2003. Sir John received his
knighthood for services to genome research in the 2001 New Year’s Honours.
He holds a role at the Human Genetics Commission and is Chairman of the
Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation at the University of Manchester.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society and an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke
College, Cambridge.