GB&I Rotary Young Citizens Award

Cayden Mcauley

“Hero” boy backs first aid in schools’ campaign

8-year-old Cayden Mcauley, a pupil at Alexandra Parade Primary School is being nominated by The Rotary Club of Glasgow.

Cayden’s mother, Lyndsey Baxter is mother to 2 boys age 18 and 8.  Lyndsey was diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure in August 2015 and both boys have been very much “hands on” at home since then. Lyndsey was admitted to The Golden Jubilee Hospital for 3 weeks and since 2015 has been hospitalised on numerous occasions.

 Cayden, who she refers to as her hero came to his Mum’s aid when only 6, on a day out with the family Lyndsey became unwell and disorientated.  When she came around, Cayden was by her side. Cayden got his Mum settled against a railing, covered her with his jacket, retrieved his mum’s mobile phone but did not know how to unlock it.   He stopped a taxi and Lyndsey explained what had happened.  Cayden knew basic First Aid due to his Mum having Heart Failure, so his actions saved Lyndsey’s life.  Not much was made of Cayden’s actions at the time UNTIL August 2018 when the family were attending a Road Show at Glasgow Green on the occasion of the European Athletic Championships.  Towards the end of the day the family went into a marquee containing a variety of “stalls.”    Cayden’s eye saw one named SAVE A LIFE and the discussion was of particular interest to Cayden.   A lady called Lisa asked if Cayden would like to learn CPR.  Lisa was “overwhelmed” by Cayden’s enthusiasm and the conversation got around to 2015 when Cayden saved his Mums life.

Lisa asked Lyndsey if she could recommend Cayden for an award, Young Hero of 2018, which was run in conjunction with St Andrews First Aid.  Nothing further was heard until the family received an email advising that Cayden had been shortlisted for the award and to attend the Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow in November 2018. 

 Following his nomination and prior to the announcement, Cayden’s “life changed.”  The family were approached by numerous Newspapers, Radio Stations, STV News.   The “story of Cayden” had touched the publics hearts.  The Sun newspaper were the first to interview Cayden on 11 November 2018, then the following day by Morrison Media.  It was then reported in The Scotsman, The Times, Metro, Glasgow Live and on Social Media.

 On the evening of the Award Ceremony, following the announcement that Cayden had WON “Young Hero of The Year” there were more interviews and photo sessions.  That they thought would be the end of the matter, but NO. Lyndsey was contacted by the Charity who wished Cayden to be “the face of a “SAVE A LIFE” and having won the award, to assist in a petition for First Aid to be taught in all State Primary Schools.  Once again Cayden was in the “spotlight” with a petition to go to The Scottish Government.   This was again shared across Social Media, twitter etc. and could be signed online.   Scottish Television came to the family home and Cayden and Lyndsey were interviewed.

Stuart Callison, Chief Executive of the SAFA (St Andrews Ambulance First Aid) described Cayden as a shining example how a child should be an that he should be very proud of what he had achieved “so far”.

Cayden’s next “ambition” is to participate in the annual Kilt Walk in Glasgow in April 2019.

The Rotary Club of Glasgow nominated Cayden Mcauley for The Rotary GB & Ireland Young Citizen Award.