A COURAGEOUS little boy has been crowned a ‘charity champion’ after raising hundreds of pounds to help sick children.

John Cole, who attends Gourock Primary School, raised hundreds of pounds for Ronald McDonald House – a facility at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow which helps families with kids being treated in the hospital.

The inspirational eight-year-old, who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome, raised more than £450 as part of a charity pageant which he competed in and won recently.

His mum Nicole Gunn, 27, who holds several beauty titles herself, said she is bursting with pride.

She told the Tele: “I’m over the moon for him.

“John won the title of ‘Master Belle Scotland Junior 2017’ along with the most funds raised out of all other contestants for the Ronald McDonald House.

“He also picked up awards for fashion, best smile, hair and personality – but the only award he really cared about was the charity award.

“We have been up to Ronald McDonald House and they gave him a tour so he knows exactly where the money is going.”

Last year John was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome but Nicole says the condition has not held him back.

She said: “I think doing things like the pageant has helped his confidence.

“He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when he swept the board.

“He really enjoys taking part and also had fun raising the money for charity.”

Nicole says that by speaking out about John’s condition, she is keen to dispel some of the myths people have about Tourette’s. 

She said: “John is an outgoing, bubbly wee boy.
“When he gets nervous he makes involuntary movements.
“A lot of people think Tourette’s just means that people swear, but that is not the case.”

Now John is gearing up to represent Scotland at the UK heats of the competition in August.

As part of his prize, he will also jet out to Spain with his mum to take part in the international event.