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Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I saw transplant patient on TV & immediately knew he had my son's heart – we've struck up a bond
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN emotional dad revealed how he has formed a special bond with the man who received his son's heart - after an incredible 'sixth sense' sparked by a TV show led the pair to meet. Keen footballer Robbie Meiklem - once a youth player at Ayr United - tragically died from suicide in September 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Robbie Meiklem tragically took his own life Credit: Supplied 6 But the promising youngster's organs were donated and his dad Robert found out that his heart was used in a transplant Credit: John Kirkby 6 Colin Gray from Inverness received Robbie's heart Credit: Northpix 6 Colin went under the knife during a life-saving transplant operation Credit: STV 6 He has a tattoo reminding him where his new heart came from Credit: Northpix 6 Robbie was a promising youth footballer Credit: Supplied His donated organs helped save the lives of five people across the UK. Patients don't know who the organs come from and the families of donors aren't given details of recipients. But in an astonishing story, Robbie's dad Robert, 59, immediately sensed Colin Gray, 62, had received his son's heart after watching STV's Scotland Tonight special report: A Second Chance of Life. Colin, from Inverness, featured in the programme and grieving dad Robert instantly knew his beloved lad's heart - which was shown still beating in its preservation box - was inside Colin's chest. That sparked an inspiring mission in which grief-stricken Robert managed to track down Colin before both men broke down in tears when the donation details were confirmed. Now Colin - who was suffering late stage heart failure before his transplant - is set to present the trophy at a charity football match to show his appreciation for ex-Girvan FC player Robbie and his family. Robert said: 'The January after Robbie died I was struggling to cope but my sister Susan urged me to watch a documentary on YouTube about heart transplants. 'I watched it four times that very night. I called Susan and said 'I don't know what it is but I think that man has got Robbie's heart'. 'It really rocked me. Something just kept telling me I was right - it was a sixth sense. 'I kept breaking down crying, saying, 'that's Robbies heart' - I just knew it in my gut. Inside the rise of ex-Rangers ultras chief turned mob boss waging gangland war across Scotland 'They don't tell you anything about the organ donor - there were no clues, nothing - I just kept shaking and crying. 'When I told my family, they kept saying, you need to drop it, you're just upset'. But the determined electrical engineer - who performed CPR on his son for 12 minutes after discovering him unconscious - reached out to Colin, of Inverness, who had been on the transplant list for four months after being told by medics nothing more could be done to help his failing heart. He also asked a consultant for info and hatched a letter-writing plan through the organ donation register to confirm his intuition. Robert explained: 'After watching the show I asked my daughters to message Colin on Facebook and request permission for his phone number. I called him in the February. 'I told him who I was and we spoke for three hours. I told him my son had donated all his organs. 'We became friends over the telephone in the next two or three months. I eventually told him that I thought he had received my son's heart. 'I later went to Glasgow to receive the St John's Medal on Robbie's behalf. One of the surgeons who performed the operation was at the ceremony and I said, 'I think I know who has Robbie's heart. His name is Colin Gray'. 'I could tell from his face that he knew I was right and two weeks later, I got confirmation. The donation people don't tell you who has received the organs. 'And they don't tell the recipients the identity of the donor. You can request an anonymous letter from the recipient - but, of course, they don't know who they're writing to. 'I requested a letter from the recipient of Robbie's heart. When I got it, I called Colin immediately and read the letter to him. 'He said 'Robert. I wrote that letter' 'I was right. He has Robbie's heart 'Colin broke down and I broke down.' Scottish Water leakage technician Colin says he is forever in debt to Robbie and his family and with their blessing he got a tattoo of both their names with a heart in the middle containing the ECG lines of the heartbeat. He said: 'I am so grateful to Robbie and his family for this second chance at life. 'And I just want his family to know that I'll not be wasting it - I'm grabbing this chance with both hands and will make sure I live the rest of my life to the full. Robbie saved my life.' The Rangers fan has even taken to watching Ayr when he can as another tribute to Robbie. And that threw up another incredible twist of fate. In March last year, he went along to watch the side play Inverness in his hometown. Ayr's Fraser Bryden - who was Robbie's best friend - scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win and raised his hands to the sky before dedicating the goal aftewards to his late friend. It was only after the game that Colin found out through Robert who Fraser was. Robert - who has three other children - said: 'Fraser was Robbie's friend and they played football together. After the game he said 'That was for my friend, Robbie'. 'Colin was at the game and saw Fraser score. He called me and said 'Robbie was there, too'. 'I couldn't believe it. My son's best friend scored the winning goal and the guy who has his heart was standing and watching the game. It was mind-blowing.' Colin also told how he also had a 'sixth sense' and knew his donor's name as soon as Robert's daughters messaged him on Facebook. He said: 'I don't know where from, but I kept getting the name Robbie - the name just appeared in my head. YOU'RE NOT ALONE EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM Heads Together Mind Papyrus Samaritans 'At that point, I could obviously neither confirm or deny - you're not told anything and the surgeons said they didn't even know - but I was so hopeful because I wanted to know who had given me this second chance at life, from the moment I woke up from surgery.' In October 2024, just over a year on from Robbie death, Robert and his family travelled up to Inverness for a 'life changing' meet-up with Colin and his wife Colleen. Colin presented a special gift to the family - preserving the recording of his heartbeat in a Build a Bear - and had even brought a stethoscope so they could hear Robbie's heart alive and beating. Robert said: 'I gave him a big hug. Meeting him was a life-changing event - we have a very special bond. 'We're now living a new normal - this kind of thing changes people. 'To hear Robbie's heart beating strong was incredible and the teddy bear is a massive comfort to us all - as well as the fact Colin is doing so well.' Rangers-daft Colin has recovered well from the transplant which took place at Glasgow's Golden Jubilee hospital within hours of Robbie's death - and has gone from being only able to walk 20 yards without becoming breathless pre-op, to easily walking five miles a day. Colin said: 'It's hard to put into words how I feel about it all. As pleased as I am for my outcome, Robbie's family are struggling every day with the grief of losing their son. 'I find it really difficult to get my head around it.' Robert added: 'I couldn't save my son, but it gives me some comfort that together we saved five others.'
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Mystery solved after 100 floating COFFINS appear on Scottish loch
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AROUND 100 floating coffins mysteriously appeared on a Scots loch this week. The crates were spotted drifting at Loch Glass near Dingwall yesterday afternoon. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Around 100 floating coffins mysteriously appeared at Loch Glass Credit: Northpix 3 The latest dramatic pictures give fans some clues as filming gets underway Credit: Northpix 3 Contestants will engage in strategic deception to win a cash prize of up to £120k Credit: Northpix Pictures show the caskets on the surface of the water beside the unusual Pink House, which eagle-eyed viewers of The Traitors might recognise. The latest dramatic pictures give fans some clues as filming gets underway for the celebrity version of the hit show. Contestants will engage in strategic deception to win a cash prize of up to £120,000. Nineteen big names are joining Claudia Winkleman at Ardross Castle in the Highlands for the ultimate game of truth and deception. They were recently spotted touching down at Inverness Airport ahead of production. QI legend Stephen Fry, 67, was the first name to be revealed by The Sun last year. He will be joined by comedian Alan Carr, 48, and Scottish Line of Duty actor Mark Bonnar, 56, who played DCC Mike Dryden in the cult series. Olympic swimming star Tom Daley, 30, is also among the competitors and will be joined by ITV talk show host Jonathan Ross, 64. Other celebs include pop star Paloma Faith, 43, BBC sports presenter Clare Balding, 54, and comedian Lucy Beaumont, 41. Comic Joe Wilkinson, actress Ruth Codd, EastEnders favourite Tameka Empson, showbiz icon Celia Imrie, classical songstress Charlotte Church, TV host Kate Garroway and vocalist Cat Burns have all signed up too. The Traitors stars' jaw-dropping salaries revealed as Peacock spoils contestants to first-class flights and big perks The Traitors host Alan Cumming recently revealed the secret way he communicates with Claudia Winkleman. Claudia, 53, hosts the BBC's hit back-stabbing reality show in the UK, while Scot Alan fronts the programme in the US. The American version of the psychological game show is different from the British version, as the contestants include reality stars. However, it is set in the same castle in the Highlands as the BBC version fronted by Claudia. Despite having the same job, the pair have never met in person. But Hollywood star Alan discovered a crafty way to communicate with his colleague. He told The Mirror: "Isn't it nuts? We might be the same person because you've never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago. "We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new. "We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror."
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lee Sansum dead at 63: Former bodyguard to Princess Diana who protected William & Harry passes away as wife pays tribute
The bodyguard protected the princess just one month before her tragic death in 1997 ROYAL LOSS Lee Sansum dead at 63: Former bodyguard to Princess Diana who protected William & Harry passes away as wife pays tribute PRINCESS Diana's former bodyguard who protected princes William and Harry has died at the age of 63. Lee Sansum, who served as a royal military police officer, was one of Diana's bodyguards shortly before her death in 1997, escorting her during a family holiday to the French resort of Saint Tropez that year. 6 Princess Diana's former bodyguard Lee Sansum has died at the age of 63 Credit: Northpix 6 The former royal military police officer (far right) protected Diana and her kids Harry and William during a trip to Saint Tropez in July 1997 Credit: B960 6 Harry on a jet ski while on holiday with mum Diana in Saint Tropez just one month before her tragic death Credit: Getty The former bodyguard's wife announced the tragic news of Lee's death in a post on Facebook on Monday, revealing he had died of a sudden heart attack. Sharing a compilation of pictures of the couple throughout the years, she wrote: "Since meeting in 1998, Lee Sansum has been my soul mate, hero and most amazing man in my world. "So I'm devastated to share that he is no longer with us. He had a fatal heart attack on Saturday morning at home. "His huge presence will be missed around the world as much as it is in our household although his capacity for love, and the life skills he has shared have left a legacy that will never be lost. "He's forever loved and will always be with us "I love you more than ever 'My Lovely Lee'." On top of being a bodyguard for Diana and her kids, father-of-six Lee also served as a bodyguard for the late Alex Salmond, while he was serving as First Minister of Scotland in 2014. Lee, who held black belts in karate, jujitsu and kick-boxing, was nicknamed "Rambo" by Diana and was no stranger to the spotlight. He also loyally protected stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Cruise during his career. At the time of Diana's tragic death in 1997, Lee was serving as part of the protection team for Mohamed Al-Fayed - the father of her then partner Dodi. He had been assigned to look after Diana and her young sons Prince William and Prince Harry during their stay at Al-Fayad's 30-bedroom villa in Saint Tropez in the summer of 1997. This was tragically just one month before Diana died in a Paris car crash, alongside Dodi. Lee had released a book in 2022 - called The Bodyguard - in which he explored his close relationship with Diana and the young princes, particularly Harry. He revealed how he had tried to teach the two boys kickboxing but that they were too "apprehensive" to it. 6 Lee received a touching letter from Diana, William, and Harry after protecting them on their holiday to Saint Tropez Credit: Northpix 6 He also served as a bodyguard for the late First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond in 2014 Credit: Northpix 6 Lee was nicknamed Rambo by Princess Diana Credit: Supplied However, he managed to succeed in teaching Harry how to drive a jet ski - even helping him to soak photographers who were waiting to snap a picture of the young prince on holiday. For his loyal and kind services on the trip, he was given a touching thank you letter by Diana. In it, she wrote that she was grateful for the "magical ten days [which] would not have been possible without your invaluable contribution". The former bodyguard also revealed that Diana had turned to him for comfort, even crying on his shoulder, after her fashion designer friend Gianni Versace had been fatally shot outside his home in July 1997. Lee, born in Burnley, Lancashire, said Diana would chat to him every day after she woke up at 7am - adding that she was worried about the safety of her own life. He added that Diana was an "amazing woman", saying: "She cared a great deal. She never said a bad word about anyone.' 25 years following her death, Lee also revealed how he could have been in the car with the princess on the day she died. Speaking in a 2022 interview, he said: "It could have been me in that car. "We drew straws to see who would be accompanying Trevor [Rees-Jones] that weekend. "When I learned they were not wearing seatbelts in the crash I understood why they didn't survive. "I always insisted on it." Lee claimed Diana would still be alive if he had been on duty the night she died in a car crash. The ex-Royal Military Policeman and "international security consultant" explained it was standard practice for the family to wear seatbelts - an order which had been sent down by Mohamed Al-Fayed. When Diana, Dodi, and driver Henri Paul crashed and tragically died, none were wearing seatbelts. Lee had begun his service as a military police officer in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. He said: 'I was looking after people in witness protection. I learnt my craft in Northern Ireland.' After leaving the Army he started working as a civilian bodyguard, known in the industry as The Circuit. A friend then recommended him to billionaire businessman Al-Fayed, who was so impressed by Lee that the bodyguard said he 'became like family'.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Lee Sansum dead at 63: Former bodyguard to Princess Diana who protected William & Harry passes away as wife pays tribute
PRINCESS Diana's former bodyguard who protected princes William and Harry has died at the age of 63. 6 Princess Diana's former bodyguard Lee Sansum has died at the age of 63 Credit: Northpix 6 The former royal military police officer (far right) protected Diana and her kids Harry and William during a trip to Saint Tropez in July 1997 Credit: B960 6 Harry on a jet ski while on holiday with mum Diana in Saint Tropez just one month before her tragic death Credit: Getty The former bodyguard's wife announced the tragic news of Lee's death in a post on Facebook on Monday, revealing he had died of a sudden Sharing a compilation of pictures of the couple throughout the years, she wrote: "Since meeting in 1998, Lee Sansum has been my soul mate, hero and most amazing man in my world. "So I'm devastated to share that he is no longer with us. He had a fatal heart attack on Saturday morning at home. "His huge presence will be missed around the world as much as it is in our household although his capacity for love, and the life skills he has shared have left a legacy that will never be lost. Read More on Royals "He's forever loved and will always be with us "I love you more than ever 'My Lovely Lee'." On top of being a bodyguard for Diana and her kids, father-of-six Lee also served as a bodyguard for the late Alex Salmond, while he was serving as First Minister of Scotland in 2014. Lee, who held black belts in karate, jujitsu and kick-boxing, was Most read in Royals He also loyally protected stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Cruise during his career. At the time of He had been assigned to look after Diana and her young sons Prince William and Prince Harry during their stay at This was tragically just one month before Diana died in a Paris car crash, alongside Dodi. Lee had released a book in 2022 - called The Bodyguard - in which he explored his close relationship with Diana and the young princes, particularly Harry. He revealed how he had tried to teach the two boys kickboxing but that they were too "apprehensive" to it. 6 Lee received a touching letter from Diana, William, and Harry after protecting them on their holiday to Saint Tropez Credit: Northpix 6 He also served as a bodyguard for the late First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond in 2014 Credit: Northpix 6 Lee was nicknamed Rambo by Princess Diana Credit: Supplied However, he managed to succeed in teaching Harry how to drive a jet ski - even helping him to soak photographers who were waiting to snap a picture of the young prince on holiday. For his loyal and kind services on the trip, he was given a touching thank you letter by Diana. In it, she wrote that she was grateful for the "magical ten days [which] would not have been possible without your invaluable contribution". The former bodyguard also revealed that Diana had turned to him for comfort, even crying on his shoulder, after her fashion designer friend Gianni Versace had been fatally shot outside his home in July 1997. Lee, born in Burnley, Lancashire, said Diana would chat to him every day after she woke up at 7am - adding that she was worried about the safety of her own life. He added that Diana was an "amazing woman", saying: "She cared a great deal. She never said a bad word about anyone.' 25 years following her death, Lee also revealed how he could have been in the car with the princess on the day she died. Speaking in a 2022 interview, he said: "It could have been me in that car. "We drew straws to see who would be accompanying "When I learned they were not wearing seatbelts in the crash I understood why they didn't survive. "I always insisted on it." Lee claimed Diana would still be alive if he had been on duty the night she died in a car crash. The ex-Royal Military Policeman and "international security consultant" explained it was standard practice for the family to wear seatbelts - an order which had been sent down by Mohamed Al-Fayed. When Diana, Dodi, and driver Lee had begun his service as a military police officer in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. He said: 'I was looking after people in witness protection. I learnt my craft in Northern Ireland.' After leaving the Army he started working as a civilian bodyguard, known in the industry as The Circuit. A friend then recommended him to billionaire businessman Al-Fayed, who was so impressed by Lee that the bodyguard said he 'became like family'.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Still Game star signs up for Celebrity Traitors as BBC reveal first look pictures and release date
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STILL Game star is among a string of huge names set to appear on Celebrity Traitors. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, viewers are being treated to a mix of A-listers, popular actors, TV stars and singing icons. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Claudia Winkleman takes the helm of the Celebrity Traitors Credit: BBC 5 Celia Imrie spotted at Inverness airport ahead of her appearance on the show Credit: Northpix 5 Winston is caught in the bookies by Mrs Begg after his horse Scotch Corner wins 5 The home help is caught in the shower with recently widowed Bert Credit: BBC The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize of up to £100K for a charity of their choice. And swapping Craiglang for Ardross Castle is telly and film legend Celia Imrie, 72. Better known as snooty home help Mrs Begg, the actor appeared in Still Game back in 2003. In series two, Jack and Victor offer a helping hand to their recently widowed friend Bert. Elsewhere, one-legged Winston is assigned Mrs Begg as a home help after falsely claiming he was unable to look after himself. However, Bert has the last laugh after the randy pensioner is caught in the shower with Mrs Begg, leaving the OAPs in stitches. The episode ends with an iconic song dedicated to her, the auld boys sing: "This is the ballad of Mrs Begg, who doubted Winston's dodgy leg. "Now she waits for me around the clock, because she got fond of auld Bert's c**k." Away from the Scots sitcom, Celia is a huge star on both the big and the small screen. Insiders revealed that the Bridget Jones star was "chomping at the bit" to be on Celebrity Traitors. Still Game returns in brand new format, fans are going to love it Celia has enjoyed a glittering career and is one of the most recognisable actors to join the line-up. She is best known for appearing in Calendar Girls, St Trinian's, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. It comes after the BBC finally confirmed the full Celebrity Traitors line-up with exciting new pictures. The Beeb revealed that the spin-off will kick off this Autumn.
