It has been nearly a decade since his mum last recognised him but Ross McNamee says she will always be his “best mate in all the world.”
Ross, now 27, was just 13-years-old when his fun-loving, outgoing hairdresser mum Angie, 65, was diagnosed with vascular dementia and early onset Alzheimer’s.
After her devastating diagnosis the DJ, his older brother Callum, 39, and dad Robbie, 59, became Angie’s carers – determined to spend as much time as possible with her before the illness stole her from them.
Ross, who went on courses to ensure he could care for his mum properly, has also made it his life mission to help others who find themselves in a similar situation and has raised a whopping £136,700 for Alzheimer’s Scotland.
From climbing Ben Nevis twice and walking the West Highland Way to hosting boxing and DJ events – the big-hearted Scot and his army of friends have been pushing themselves to the limit “For oor Angie.”
Ross’s selfless dedication to helping his mum and others affected by Alzheimer’s has earned him a Pride of Scotland nomination in the Special Recognition category.
Opening up about the impact of his mum’s diagnosis, the young carer, from Stepps, North Lanarkshire, said: “My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia in her late 40’s. It was devastating because she had so much more life to live and her diagnosis forced me to grow up when I was only a child.
“The last few years have been the toughest because her illness has robbed me of even having so much as a conversation with her. She can no longer walk, talk or eat. It’s devastating and makes you feel so helpless.
“The average life expectancy for someone with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s is eight years and she has survived for 16 which shows you what a warrior she has been. She is now at end of life.”
He added: “My mum is one in a million and I’ll be forever grateful for everything she’s done for me and she was and always will be my best mate in the world.
“I learned a lot from her and I take a lot of my characteristics from her, so I’ll always have memories of the person she was before her illness. We were and always will be very close.
“She would make everyone laugh and smile everywhere she went. She had her own hairdressing salon and everyone would stop by for a blether. She would light up every room she walked into.
“One of the hardest moments of my life was the day I realised she no longer knew who I was but you have to keep going for her sake as the mum I know and love will always be somewhere in there.
“Having to deal with this so young made me appreciate everything in life so much more – especially the memories I have with her. Those will stay with me forever.”
Ross, who is currently working as an industrial painter, took a year off work when she started to deteriorate. He said: “A few years after mum got ill, I took time off work so I could spend more with her.
“When I went back to work, I took a job in the care sector because I wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s and how to cope and care for my mum which I did by going on courses.
“Me, my Dad and big brother care for my mum and we have support throughout the day from carers. My dad gave up his job and is her main carer.
“He is a real-life hero and I’ll never ever be able to thank him enough for how he looks after her. He’s an absolute legend of a guy. At the moment we are trying to keep her comfortable.
“I truly believe she is still with us because we have managed her care at home where she feels safe and surrounded by the people who love her.”
Speaking about his charity work, Ross, who is one half of DJ duo Strictly Different, said: “I started fundraising for Alzheimer’s Scotland about six years ago now.
“From the day I started fundraising, I’ve been surrounded by the best mates I could ask for. They go above and beyond to raise as much as possible each year.
“So far we have raised more than £136,000 and counting. Initially we raised funds by joining the Glasgow Memory Walk, which is organised by Alzheimer’s Scotland. It then inspired us to set our own challenges.
“We’ve completed Ben Nevis twice, the West Highland Way twice, the Great Glen Way and most recently The Wicklow Way in Dublin. It’s just getting bigger and bigger every year.”
He added: “We will be doing the Great Glen Way – the walk between Fort William and Inverness – again in May. I put the Justgiving page up last week and we’ve already raised more than £700.
“I couldn’t do these “For Oor Angie” challenges without my mates. People always point the finger at me and say well done but they are equally amazing.
“I really enjoy these challenges, as being a carer for my mum, I feel almost helpless at the best of times. Fundraising gives me a sense of giving something back, which is a great feeling and a great comfort.
“I also get messages from people who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and I make myself available to chat to them as it makes all the difference talking to someone who is living it too.”
When asked about his Daily Record Pride of Scotland with P&O Cruises nomination, humble Ross, who has also helped raise £40,000 for the children of three of his late friends, said: “It’s lovely someone took time to nominate me but everything I’ve done is for my mum – she’s my inspiration. It’s all for her.”
Do you know someone as selfless as Ross? If so there is still time to nominate them for a Pride of Scotland Award.
HOW TO NOMINATE
YOU can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award with P&O Cruises, by going to the www.prideofscotland.org website.
The closing date is Sunday, March 16, 2025.
P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD – Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY – For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE – For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR – To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD – For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION – For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.
