A ST BOSWELLS disability campaigner has come runner-up after being short-listed for a major humanitarian award.

During a special ceremony at the Brig o' Doon House Hotel in Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, Margaret Simpson MBE was named runner-up for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2017 last night (Sunday, January 29).

The 64-year-old was nominated after using her own experience to inspire the creation of Disabled Persons Housing Services (DPHS) almost 20 years ago.

The DPHS provides a one-stop shop on all aspects of housing for people with a disability. Margaret also created Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber, which has helped people with disabilities gain employment.

She has also worked tirelessly to highlight issues for people with disabilities, and has actively campaigned for improvements.

Speaking after becoming runner-up, Margaret said: “I am overwhelmed to receive the runners-up award for this wonderful accolade. I wish my father and grandfather could have been here to see it as Robert Burns was a real hero to them both, showing just what can be achieved in a short life. 

“I’m very proud to have been nominated and thank my family and my team for all their support – I couldn’t do it without them.”

Margaret was in the running for the award alongside Marcelline Budza from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Marcelline has helped many women regain their economic empowerment as coffee farmers. Also in contention was Jo Cox, the former MP for Batley and Spen, who was killed in her constituency last June after a lifetime of humanitarian service to others.

Marcelline was named the winner at the awards ceremony.

Bill McIntosh, Chair of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Judging Panel and Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Once again, the judges had an extremely difficult job in selecting our finalists and winner; however, we were extremely impressed with the efforts of Marcelline, Jo and Margaret. 

“These three women have made a difference for thousands of people across the world and took a stand to show that we should all have the same choices, freedoms and opportunities – an ethos which permeates the work of Robert Burns.”

Named in honour of the famous Scots Bard, the award, which has been running since 2002, applauds the efforts of people who bring hope and inspiration – often in desperate situations – and help change lives for the better.