Local hero who saved cyclist wins award for work with young people

Photo Emma Mitchell 21.3.16
St Ninian's High School, Bill Reside with his award for working with young people. — Photo Emma Mitchell 21.3.16 St Ninian's High School, Bill Reside with his award for working with young people.

Kirkintilloch man Bill Reside won the National Partnership Award at the Youth Worker  of the Year 2016 in Glasgow  recently.

Bill, a youth development worker at East Dunbartonshire Council, picked up the title for his role at St Ninian’s High School, working with the school to support pupils.

Paul McLaughlin, Head Teacher of St Ninian’s High School said the award was a real achievement for a man who is a fantastic example of great work with young people:

“We are delighted that Bill has been recognised for the great work he does with us and other groups in our area. He plays a key role in many of our young people’s lives and is a true partner to us and a valued member of our school community.”

Speaking about his award, Bill Reside said he was  quite overwhelmed at the  accolade.

He said: “I am very proud to have won this award. I get to work with great people and wonderful young people.

“I enjoy working with everyone at St Ninian’s High School and my other link schools and I am looking forward to finding new and exciting ways of helping them realise their potential.”

Minister for Children & Young People Aileen Campbell MSP said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to join so many inspiring individuals at the Awards.

“The awards celebrate and  promote the immense value of Scotland’s youth work sector to our young people and our wider communities.

“Youth work not only builds the self-esteem and confidence of young people for future opportunities, it also helps to prepare them for the world of work – providing opportunities for awards and life experiences they may not achieve otherwise.

“I congratulate Bill on  receiving this award.”

Bill made the headlines in the Herald back in September last year when he risked his life to save a woman  from drowning after she careered into the canal on her bike.

The 54-year-old dived in to  the water near the bridge at Townhead, Kirkintilloch and pulled the woman to safety.

Afterwards, the modest hero told the Herald: “It all happened so quickly. It’s nice to know I got her out - but really, anybody would have done what I did.”