The family of one of Glasgow’s Community Champions is following in his selfless footsteps.
School janitor Hugh Reilly, 63, has become a much-loved figure in his 22 years at Our Lady of the Rosary primary in Cardonald.
Despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, he had never missed a day of work in his time at the school. And as a thank-you to all the staff at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, his sons are now organising a fundraising night.
Earlier this year Hugh was awarded the individual public service award at the Evening Times Greater Govan and Craigton Community Champion Awards.
As well as keeping the school secure and tidy, he works with the Eco Committee to promote recycling and arranges transport for the school football team.
He was even nicknamed Super Jano by the children at the school following his initial nomination.
Since then he has undergone weeks of radiotherapy and is now anxious to return to his role at the school once again. His sons Andrew and Christopher are planning a fundraising evening at the Admiral Bar in Waterloo Street on Thursday June 10, with all proceeds going to the Beatson.
Andrew, 31, said: “We just wanted to do something as a thank-you to the marvellous staff at the Beatson. You feel quite helpless when someone you love is going through something like that and you rely on their expertise and guidance. This is a way of showing our thanks.
“We have a mixture of bands coming along who have a strong fan base so we are hoping that will bring in a few people.”
Andrew and Christopher, 39, are running the event under the banner Cold Blooded Charity, and Glasgow bands The State Broad-casters and Dirty Cuts will be taking to the stage plus Deserters Deserve Death.
There will also be a raffle on the night to raise some extra cash.
The good news is Hugh has finished an intense course of radiotherapy and, reluctantly, taken four weeks off to aid his recovery.
Andrew said: “Dad sees it as his vocation and not just a job. When you walk down Paisley Road West with him there are so many people who stop and say hello.
“He took time off, but wasn’t happy about it and he is just desperate to get back to the kids.
“We hope he will be back with them all very soon.”
Entry to the night is £5. Doors open from 7.30pm.
Tickets can be bought in advance from www.justgiving.com/CBC-gig
Raffle tickets are £1 and can be bought in advance from www.justgiving.com/CBC-Raffle
