Glasgow grandad given special award after raising £120k for veterans

Terry McCourt has been supporting SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, for 15 years, and will receive an MBE for his services to veterans in Scotland in January.

Before he heads to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the former Paratrooper was thrilled to be recognised by the charity to which he dedicates so much of his time at a ceremony in Stirling this week.

Terry receiving his award from SSAFA (Image: SSAFA)

The 67-year-old from Knightswood is one of nine recipients from across Scotland who were celebrated for their support of serving military personnel, veterans and families at SSAFA’s Regional Recognition Awards.

The biannual awards were established in 2023 to formally acknowledge extra endeavour by SSAFA volunteers, staff, and external supporters across its network of 17 branches in Scotland.

Terry McCourt, right, with SSAFA volunteers (left to right) Kevin Brunton, Janet Marshall, Richard Barker, and Terry McCourt (Image: SSAFA)

Terry began fundraising for SSAFA after 12 years in the military, where he reached the rank of sergeant with 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, or 2 Para.

The Army was a family affair, his father Peter McCourt serving with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in World War Two and surviving Dunkirk before being wounded at Anzio in 1944, and son Terry junior following in his dad’s footsteps and completing 14 years’ service with 2 Para.

Now a fundraising volunteer for SSAFA, Terry organises and runs up to five collections a year at Scotland’s busiest station, managing his fundraising between full-time work as janitor at Glasgow School of Art. Together with Para colleagues, he regularly raises £1500 in a day.

That’s in addition to taking on fundraising challenges for SSAFA, including the 10-mile 13 Bridges Challenge in London and 200-mile Ride to the Somme.

Terry said it’s the “Glasgow patter and a good work ethic” that keeps him going.

“I love the banter at Glasgow Central Station, and thousands of people come through there every day,” he said.

“SSAFA is a great organisation and working with them is good for me. I know I have helped a lot of folk. As long as I’m alive I will be collecting for SSAFA.”

Walter Gallacher, convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee at SSAFA, said: “The tireless efforts of committed local fundraisers like Terry are fundamental to the work we do at SSAFA, helping us continue to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“Terry should be immensely proud of his long length of service. We’re so grateful for his continued commitment and delighted to honour him with a well-deserved Regional Recognition Award.”

SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885.

To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website.