The Improving Life Experiences Award celebrates someone who’s made a real difference to the life of a child or young person undergoing treatment – boosting their confidence, resilience, and ability to cope with challenges now and in the future. And Bob has been doing exactly that for over 40 years.
Bob Fraser didn’t know he’d been nominated for a Scottish Children’s Health Award, so when he found out he’d won the Improving Life Experiences title, it came as a total surprise.
“I was taken aback,” he said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognised by people I admire so much.”
A Career Spent Improving Lives
Bob’s career spans clinical, research, policy, and leadership roles, all focused on children’s health and wellbeing. He’s helped shape national policy on everything from mental health to paediatric intensive care and spent eight years advising the Scottish Government on the Getting It Right for Every Child initiative (GIRFEC).
But it’s the role he’s just retired from – as Chief Executive of the Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments, commonly known as the Craighalbert Centre – that he calls “the best job I’ve ever had.” The Centre and its school support children with rare and complex neurological conditions to learn, grow, and thrive.
Making the Impossible Possible
Bob’s earned a huge sense of pride and satisfaction from seeing children do things no one thought they could. Like the youngster who hadn’t been in school for two years due to health issues. A year after joining Craighalbert, he was smiling, communicating, and driving a powered mobility device. “The pride and joy that brings me is huge,” Bob says.
Even during the pandemic, Craighalbert stayed open. Bob and his team planned ahead, adapted quickly, and kept vital services running – earning deep trust from families who rely on them.
Why This Award Matters
The Improving Life Experiences Award is all about celebrating people who go the extra mile – and Bob’s been doing that for decades. He’s quick to share the credit, though.
“This award is really for the whole team at Craighalbert,” he says. “They’re exceptional. And I’ve been lucky to work with amazing colleagues and have the support of my family – especially through our 26 years as foster carers.”
A Legacy of Kindness
Bob takes inspiration from a quote from Forest Witcraft – a scout leader from the 1950’s – that hopes, ‘The world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.’
That’s not just a motto – it’s a mission. And with this award, it’s clear that Bob Fraser has made a positive difference in countless children’s lives and an impact that, despite his recent retirement, will last for generations.
About the Scottish Children’s Health Awards
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards celebrate the people and projects making a real difference in the lives of children and young people living with health conditions. Each award winner is announced during Scottish Children’s Health Week (1–7 September)—a week dedicated to raising awareness of children’s health rights, sharing inspiring stories, and promoting self-management, play, and wellbeing.
Join Us
Be part of the movement to defend children’s health rights. Explore the week’s activities, read more award stories, and share your own messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2025. Whether you’re a parent, professional, young person, or supporter—your voice matters.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week.
Want to Nominate for 2026?
You can nominate now for our 2026 by clicking HERE.
