A GLASGOW campaigner who made a huge impact with his activities to raise awareness of carers and dementia has won a top award.

Tommy Whitelaw said he was delighted to receive the award from Age Scotland.

At a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh he was presented with the Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing.

The awards aim to challenge popular myths about later life and Scotland's ageing population.

The winners also included a 91-year-old exercise class leader, May Wallace.

Until a few years ago, Tommy had a high-profile career in which he travelled the world, selling official merchandise on behalf of rock and pop stars.

But when Joan, his "wee mum" back in Glasgow, was diagnosed with vascular dementia, Tommy became her full-time, live-in carer.

While looking after her, he undertook a marathon walk across Scotland to raise awareness of the plight of carers and also made a DVD to publicise carers and Alzheimers.

Joan died just over a year ago but Tommy has continued with his hard work, addressing dozens of different groups of people all over the UK.

On his blog, Tommy wrote: "I feel honoured to have received the Age Scotland Jess Barrow Award. Thank you Age Scotland from a son, and thanks to everyone who has participated and supported me on this campaign."

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive said: "This award is truly well deserved.

"Tommy has demonstrated tenacity and creativity in his campaign, and genuinely helped change perceptions and attitudes towards people with dementia and their carers.

"We were overwhelmed by the quality of awards entries, but all our winners stood out for their dynamism and dedication to enriching the lives of Scotland's older people."

russell.leadbetter@ heraldandtimes.co.uk