A song of young friendship from Scotland

Published on Jun 14, 2004

PATTAYA - A haunting song entitled "Can You Imagine!", dedicated to destitute children in Thailand, has won for three children and their teacher a chance to visit the Kingdom for the first time in their lives.

"What makes me proud [of being chosen last year as Scotswoman of the Year] is that now not only children in Thailand are able to benefit from the charity, but children in Glasgow too," said Tracy Cosgrave in a phone interview.

"The award has also helped tremendously with my biggest project this year - an entrepreneurial challenge for Glasgow schoolchildren with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Thailand as the prize."

Some 250 sixth-to-ninth graders from 15 schools in Glasgow took part in the contest.

They created business plans and set up companies to raise funds for the Thai children.

They each came up with wonderful ideas but it was a team from Parkview Primary School in Maryhill that won the top prize.

They bowled over the judges with their CD single called "Can You Imagine!", which they wrote specifically for the Thai children.

Three pupils and a teacher will be accompanying Cosgrave to Thailand for 12 days. They will be arriving today.

They will visit children's projects in Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, as well as be taken on trips by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

They will also get to stay at the luxurious Marriott Resort & Spa in Bangkok and the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya, which have both been towers of support to charities over the years.

"The children are going to have a phenomenal time and this trip will change their lives. West Dunbartonshire Council and the council in Manchester - where I'm from - have already signed up for the next challenge in September. The year has been a whirlwind but I've loved every minute of it and I've really utilised my title to the full."

The Scottish lady, 39, whom the destitute children of Pattaya have dubbed the "Angel in Disguise", was honoured by the Evening Times in Scotland, which recognises women whose personal courage and dedication towards others has been inspirational.

Cosgrove was chosen for last year's prize for her unstinting efforts to make life better for hundreds of forgotten Thai children.

Ever since she first discovered the children, who were condemned to hopeless lives in slums, she has been on a mission to help.

Through the Melissa Cosgrove Children's Foundation, named after her daughter, she raises money for Burmese refugee children in Bangkok, HIV and Aids children in Chiang Mai and street children in Pattaya.

Since she won the award, her life has changed enormously with lots of offers of help and support and the charity now has a much bigger profile.

"It didn't sink in at all. Everything just seemed like a blur. I even burst out crying when I woke up the next morning. I wasn't prepared for people's reactions to the award - everyone seems to know about it, even in Thailand. The Nation out there carried stories on the award. It has also been lovely for my children, Paul and Melissa, who have really enjoyed their mum being 'Scotswoman of the Year' and are really proud of me.

"And what makes me proud is that now not only children in Thailand are able to benefit from the charity, but children in Glasgow too."

Ken Ywin
The Nation