Schoolboy with Pierre Robin syndrome overcomes bullies to win at Pride of Scotland Awards

A schoolboy born with a rare genetic condition has overcome bullies to be honoured at the Pride of Scotland Awards.

Noah, nine, lay critically ill on a ventilator after being born at 39 weeks with Pierre Robin syndrome – an extremely rare condition that causes facial abnormalities.

Believed to have been the only baby in the world to go through a jaw ‘scaffolding’ operation, he has undergone 13 operations on his jaw, chin and neck.

The youngster has also had metal plates inserted in his mouth to help him breathe and eat.

Noah has now won the 2026 Child of Courage accolade at the Pride of Scotland Awards.

‘Defied the odds’

Noah’s mum, Jade, said she and dad, Kieran, 26, were told he would only live a couple of weeks after his birth.

She said: “Noah’s got Pierre Robin sequence, which is a condition that affects the neck, the tongue, and the airway.

“When he was born, the doctors thought he would only live a couple of weeks. And told us to make as many memories as possible.

“He’s just totally defied the odds. I think the best way to describe him is just look at him, he’s a complete joy.”

After making a remarkable recovery, Noah was sent a birthday card in the post from bullies at just two years old, calling him ‘Mr Potato Head’.

Cruel online messages also ridiculed the youngster.

“It’s sad that people feel the need to do that, but we just block it out. We have no space for that kind of thing.

“We just want to give Noah the best life we can,” Jade added.

Despite being non-verbal and tube-fed, requiring round-the-clock care, Noah was able to design a Christmas bauble for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Christmas competition.

His winning ‘Noah’s Light’ design was chosen to hang on trees across Scotland for anyone who donated.

Noah was also chosen to switch on the festive lights at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Last August, Noah achieved a major breakthrough by walking unassisted for the first time, inspired by a recent meeting with his idol, Spider-Man, during a film set visit in Glasgow.

His family continue to document his inspirational progress under the slogan “Never Give Up”.