Singing sensation Nicholas McDonald has made a poignant tribute to NHS Lanarkshire staff at an awards evening.
The Wishaw star, who rose to global fame on The X Factor, opened NHS Lanarkshire’s Staff Awards, highlighting exceptional compassion, expertise and the profound impact the workforce has on local people’s lives.
Just ahead of the night, on Wednesday October 2, the A Thousand Years singer revealed how the Board’s services have supported him and his family through some of the most challenging moments of their own lives.
“I was just eight years old when I suffered a cardiac arrest while playing football for Wishaw Wycombe Boys Club,” Nicholas explained.
“It was a terrifying experience for my family and me, but I was fortunate to receive life-saving treatment at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. The doctors acted swiftly, and I’ll never forget the compassion and expertise they showed me during such a difficult time.”
Nicholas continues to live with a rare heart condition and has received ongoing care – allowing him to reach the heights of stardom – from NHS Lanarkshire professionals.
“As I grew older, I was transferred to University Hospital Wishaw’s cardiology department,” said Nicholas.
“The team at Wishaw has been nothing short of incredible. From monitoring my heart condition to managing my medication, they’ve helped me live a full life despite the challenges.
“The cardiologists and nurses show constant care, always explaining things clearly and making sure I knew I was in good hands.”
Nicholas also shared how NHS Lanarkshire staff helped his family through the heartache of the final days of both of his beloved grandparents, Mary and Sam.
He said: “My gran Mary passed away in January 2024 at University Hospital Monklands, and my papa, Sam, two years earlier in 2022 at University Hospital Hairmyres.
“Both of them played a massive role in my life, especially during the time I was on the X-Factor and was very much in the public eye.
“They were always there for me, keeping me grounded in their ‘nae-nonsense’ North Lanarkshire way!
“My gran was also really proud — she even had a signed picture of me on her wall. My cousins used to tease me, calling me the ‘golden boy.’
“All joking aside, my grandparents’ love and support meant the world to me.”
“When they became ill, it was one of the hardest times for our family. The compassion and care shown by the staff at both hospitals was incredible.
“During my gran’s final days, the team at Monklands went above and beyond to ensure she was comfortable, treating her with the dignity and respect she deserved. It wasn’t just about the medical expertise — they were there for us emotionally too, offering huge support when we needed it most.
“Similarly, the care my papa received at Hairmyres was exceptional. Even in his final moments, the staff’s kindness helped us through such a difficult time.”
Nicholas’s said his performance at the awards was a heartfelt tribute to the professionals who have touched his life and the lives of many others across the region.
Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the work our incredible staff do every day.
“Nicholas’s heartfelt tribute was a powerful reminder that while the care our staff provide might feel routine, it is nothing short of extraordinary for the people we serve.
“His story speaks to the very essence of what we strive for in Team Lanarkshire — compassion, excellence and a deep connection with the communities we care for.
“The awards were an opportunity to celebrate not only our staff achievements but the many lives they’ve touched and the profound difference made.”
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