Young hero Lochlan Murdoch received the Young Cumnock Citizen of the Year award for his outstanding charity efforts in 2019.

The 10-year-old was presented with the award along with a 1965 Kilmarnock FC replica top last night by the East Ayrshire Council Chief Executive, Fiona Lees.

She tweeted: “A lovely evening as Cumnock celebrates its Young Citizen of the Year ... Lochlan Murdoch #type1footballer who has walked around all

@Scottishprem Football Stadiums to raise awareness & funds for Diabetes & mental wellbeing ... Lochlan you’re a star”

We first reported on Lochlan’s award in January after the lad from Cumnock had drawn the attention of the council for his work at promoting support for those struggling with their mental health and also for those with type 1 diabetes.

Lochlan spent the year marching around football grounds across the country, taking in stadiums in Cumnock, Aberdeen, Dundee, Livingston, Motherwell, Hamilton, Kilmarnock, and Glasgow. All in an effort to raise awareness and cash for charity. Lochlan smashed his target and incredibly raised over £10,000.

Lochlan was inspired to do good after finding himself depressed after a football accident that left him severely injured and unable to play for an extended period of time.

Lochlan’s mum told the Chronicle back in January that after her son’s injury he was on a downward spiral, which eventually he pulled himself out of after a frank discussion with his mum where he laid bare exactly how he was feeling.

The injury left him withdrawn and depressed, but after Lochlan aired his thoughts and feelings he found much relief. His mum said this spurred him on to help others similarly struggling with their mental health.

Young Lochlan has even gone on to launch his own charity, Lochlan’s Legacy to educate families, friends, teachers, and football coaches about diabetes and the differences between type 1 and type 2. Lochlan’s mum said: “The charity is raising awareness of type 1 diabetes in Scotland. If someone, especially a child, doesn’t feel like people know about their condition they can’t have the same level of trust with them. That is why we are working with the SFA to get football coaches trained and aware.”