Brave P7 pupil hailed by school and charity

An inspirational pupil at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie has been hailed for his bravery in battling a rare lifelong condition by a primary school and a charity.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 24 March 2025 14:03

Children and staff at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie have been rallying round P7 pupil, Somhairle McMenemy, who has the serious muscle-wasting condition duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The 11-year-old’s constant strength and positivity inspires everyone at the school on a daily basis.

And before he moves on to secondary school in the summer, the school held a special assembly for Somhairle, with his parents Sarah and Gerry, and representatives from the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK among those in attendance.

Pupils and staff visibly showed their support on the day by ‘going orange’, the brand colour of charity Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) as part of a fundraising effort.

Somhairle’s Dad, Gerry said: “Any diagnosis of a rare condition for your child is absolutely devastating and this was no different for us when Somhairle was diagnosed with the cruel muscle wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy just before he started primary school.

“The information, support and advice we have received from the MDUK since then has been essential to help us get the best for Somhairle in both medical care, education and everyday living.

“In his seven years at St Margaret’s Primary, that support has extended into the school and it’s amazing to see how the school community in turn supports both Somhairle and Muscular Dystrophy UK in lots of ways.

“Somhairle has achieved so much both in and out of school, including sporting achievements in swimming, powerchair football and boccia and makes us all very proud every day.

“Though Somhairle’s brand, “Muscle in with Somhairle”, we continue to support MDUK as it campaigns for a better quality of life for people living with muscle wasting conditions and pushes for ground-breaking research and access to new and better treatments. Please help us support MDUK in any way you can.”

Headteacher Paul Nugent said: “We at St. Margaret’s have been on a wonderful journey with Somhairle since he first started here in 2018.

“We have learned a huge amount about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and how it can affect a family’s daily life. The courage that Somhairle and his parents display on a daily basis is an inspiration to us all and the mantra of ‘every second counts’ is an excellent way for everyone to live their lives.

“Somhairle does not let Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy hold him back and he is an accomplished sportsman. He is a Scottish league Powerchair footballer and he excels at boccia and swimming. Somhairle sees opportunities where others see restrictions and he continues to inspire everyone around him.

“We will be devastated to lose Somhairle and his family from the St. Margaret’s community but we know he will continue to excel at St. Modan’s. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “Somhairle’s bravery, inner strength and positivity in the face of this serious condition has had a major impact across the school community at St Margaret’s and beyond.

“Helped by the support of his family, the school and MDUK, he has achieved so much and raised awareness of Muscular Dystrophy. It was fitting that the school held this colourful event to recognise Somhairle before he heads to high school, which will also help raise funds to support the vital work of the charity.”

Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support, Outreach, and Information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions, said: “It’s important for any child living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition to get the right care, support and education they need.

“Over the past seven years St. Margaret’s RC Primary School has provided this excellent care in helping Somhairle feel included by offering a supportive and accessible environment. Both the classroom and leadership staff have gone above and beyond and are a real example for other schools.

“It great to see the school taking part in our ‘Go Bright’ campaign, raising awareness and vital funds to help support our groundbreaking research work.”

For more information, visit https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/

Image: Somhairlie with his Mum & Dad, Head Teacher - Paul Nugent & Jodie Whitham (community fundraising manager)

Image credit: Whyler Photos/Stirling Council

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Local sporting heroes back Stirling campaign to get more women and girls active

Some of Stirling’s sporting heroes, including an Olympic champion and a World Championships silver medallist, are supporting a drive to get more local women and girls active.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Brave P7 pupil hailed by school and charity

An inspirational pupil at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie has been hailed for his bravery in battling a rare lifelong condition by a primary school and a charity.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings