Latest news with #CathedralPrimary
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hundreds of schoolkids rock out to AC/DC to support a teacher about to undergo lifesaving brain surgery
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUNDREDS of pupils supported a teacher about to undergo lifesaving brain surgery by rocking out to AC/DC's Thunderstruck. Kids sent Julie McCarthy, 51, positive vibes by filming themselves copying her music fan surgeon Roddy O'Kane's pre-op ritual. 6 Julie and Roddy posing with Julie's pupils at Cathedral Primary in Motherwell 6 Julie was overjoyed by the children's support 6 The mum-of-three says the giant sing-along helped her through And she reckons the mass singalong did the trick — after waking to learn 95 per cent of her stage four tumour had been removed. Julie was recently reunited with metalhead Roddy as he visited Cathedral Primary in Motherwell and bonded with guitar-loving kids. Paying tribute to youngsters' role in her recovery, Julie said: 'When I saw the video, I was overwhelmed. Their energy, their joy. It lifted me. 'I truly felt their love.I believe their prayers and positivity helped carry me through.' Mum-of-three Julie had suffered a seizure while driving and crashed into a roundabout — awaking to find herself surrounded by paramedics. She was rushed to Wishaw University Hospital where scans revealed a brain tumour. While awaiting surgery last April she formed a bond with top neurosurgeon Roddy. She recalled: 'I immediately felt safe in his care. 'Even though I was receiving devastating news, I felt an odd sense of clarity, like life was giving me a wake-up call. 'I started to feel lucky the tumour had been found and that I had a chance to fight it.' She told pupils how Roddy liked to listen to rock legends on full blast before entering the operating theatre. On the day of Julie's surgery, 600 kids gathered to record their special clip. They turned their assembly hall into a massive moshpit and chanted 'Thunder' in unison, just like at the start of AC/DC's 1990 anthem. 6 Julie after the surgery, which removed 95 per cent of the stage 4 cancerous tumour 6 Surgeon Roddy has always rocked out to the song to get him in the zone before carrying out surgery on his patients 6 Julie with her kids (L-R) Nina, 14, Rory, 18, and Carlina, 18. Julie loved watching the clip as she recovered at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The kids then repeated the performance when Roddy joined Julie at the primary. He is a long-term fan of the band who were founded by Glasgow-born Angus Young, 70, and late brother Malcolm. He revealed: 'When Julie showed me the video of the kids rocking out, I was nearly in tears. Who knows, maybe we've inspired a few future neurosurgeons.' Julie has now left her post after 25 years. She said: 'This school has been my life. I trained here, my three children went here. I've watched so many pupils grow and thrive. 'I'm deeply thankful to the staff, the children, and my medical team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and The Beatson. 'Roddy and the entire team were phenomenal.' Head teacher Graeme Young said: 'The children light up when Julie is around.'
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Cathedral Primary School mark historic 150th anniversary with special Mass
The Mass, led by Bishop Toal at Motherwell Cathedral, was a highlight of a year-long programme of commemorative events Cathedral Primary School marked a historic milestone with a special Mass to celebrate the school's 150th anniversary. The Mass, led by Bishop Toal at Motherwell Cathedral, was a highlight of a year-long programme of commemorative events, with the service featuring the debut performance of Mass of Jesus the Teacher – a beautiful new Mass setting composed by headteacher Graeme Young and dedicated to the pupils and staff of Cathedral Primary, past and present. Sung by the school's choir, the music added a deeply personal and moving element to the celebration. Mr Young said: 'It is humbling to lead a school which stretches back an incredible fifteen decades and this week's Mass and exhibition was a fitting way to mark such an important milestone in our long and proud history. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today 'From the moment anyone steps foot inside Cathedral Primary, they encounter a truly remarkable community of faith and learning, with the highest aspirations and ambitions for all its members. 'Despite being the largest primary school in North Lanarkshire, Cathedral is a family and I'm deeply proud of pupils, staff, parents and carers on what's been such a special and emotional day.' Following the Mass, historic stones from the school's original 1895 building were formally dedicated in their new location within the Cathedral grounds. Guests then visited a fascinating exhibition in St Bride's Hall, curated by primary seven pupils, which traces the proud history of the school from 1875 to the present day. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy, who attended the Mass, said: 'This was a truly special celebration of a school that has played a central role in the Motherwell community for generations. 'My warmest congratulations go to the entire school community, past and present, on 150 years of faith, learning, and service.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
