Mark and Stevie's Partnership Continues

We reported last week about how Stevie helped to make a dream come true for Mark McKirdy.

In partnership with Erskine Bridge Hotel and Renfrewshire Council Stevie arranged for Mark to cook in a professional kitchen with a professional team of chefs.

This has been a remarkable journey of a remarkable young man, he personifies inspirational and leaves an impression wherever he goes. He was a true professional in the kitchen and showed immense natural talent.

It is so easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget about what’s really important – watch this video for a reminder of what really counts.

We really don’t need to say much more than that because the footage below does all of the talking – you might want to get some hankies ready!
 

Posted by Lorraine Hart on 18 August 2011 in : KDS Training

26 Comments

Posted by sherill divertie on 10 September 2011

when i watched this it brought me to tears i have known mark for over eleven years and he is a great person. He deserves for every dream to come true he is a great inspiration and was one of the main reasons that when i left school i decided that the path i wanted to follow was working with people with special needs he brightens everyones day and everyone who knows him loves him. You are my super star Mark Mckirdy and i love you short stuff . Ellie loves spending time with you and you are a great role model to her and everyone around you xxx

Posted by Bethany Thomson on 25 August 2011

Such an inspirational young man. He proves that boundries don''t need to define you and that success is just a matter of mindset. Well done Mark. Such an inspiration.

Posted by Pauline Kerr - The Erskine Bridge Hotel on 22 August 2011

Congratulations Mark on all you have achieved! It was a pleasure meeting you when you were a Masterchef Judge and from the film it looks like your night in the kitchen went spectacularly well! I know the whole team here at the Erskine Bridge Hotel has been inspired by your journey!

Posted by Alison Welsh Director Square Circle HR on 22 August 2011

Hello Mark Just watched your video. Truly inspirational and want to say well done for all your hard work and dedication and realising your dream, may there be many more highs as you continue your journey. I have worked with Stevie and the team at KDS over many years and I feel what they achieve in partnership with people really makes a difference and inspires all around them. Well done Alison Welsh

Posted by Hilary Harris on 22 August 2011

Mark you are an amazing young man.I have just watched the video of yourself working at the Erskine bridge Hotel, you looked totally in charge, I can see you working as a top chef in a hotel or restaurant. Congratulations Mark you are a star Ihope you achieve your ambition I am sure that you will.

Posted by Lynsey Mackay on 21 August 2011

What a night it was at the Erskine Bridge Hotel! It was fantastic to be able to see another part of your journey, Mark. You are a very talented and inspirational young man who is such a joy to be around - always smiling. Keep going, I know there is a lot more to come!

Posted by leanne mcshane on 21 August 2011

Well done mark you brung tears to my eyes son well done and you musta enjoyed your day, you all looked really happy when mark brung your dinner to your table which was really lovely. Mark you got a really brilliant report for what you done for your mum,dad and your sisters.x WELL DONE SON.

Posted by Yvonne Thomson on 21 August 2011

Mark, It has been a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you. The video made me laugh and cry. When you smile, everyone smiles with you. Hope to hear more and see more of your journey with Stevie. Thumbs up from me Mark.

Posted by Karen McNulty on 20 August 2011

I have now watched this over a dozen times and each time i have cried. Mark you are awesome, thank you so much for letting me join your journey i will watch with antipation for whats next For Mark McKirdy ? Olympic Torch Carrier, a true light of inspiration to us all !! Cosmopolitan HOtels and the Erskine Bridge hope you keep in touch and update us on your progress.

Posted by Sarahjane Sarkhosh on 20 August 2011

The clip perfectly shows how far Mark has come. As with everyone Stevie meets and spends time with, he knew how to ensure Mark finds out what he wants from life and reaches his full potential! Very well done Mark, everyone is extremely proud!

Posted by Dugy Mcintyre on 19 August 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting you at KDS HQ and have now seen what you are really capable of, truly inspirational stuff.

Posted by Lorraine Hart on 19 August 2011

Mark you have a unique ability to make people smile everywhere you go. I have loved being part of your KDS journey and I can''t wait to see the amazing future you create for yourself. You are a ray of sunshine! X

Posted by Roger on 19 August 2011

This journey has been amazing from start to present day. Limitations? What limitations??? Think you''re only going to make tea and coffee?? Love it!

Posted by Roger and The Retail Academy Livingston on 19 August 2011

Retail Academy Livingston just watched the video: Words we''d use to describe the video include, "emotional" that Mark''s been able to achieve and have opportunity to go beyond what others would think he could achieve. "Inspirational" as most people wouldnt have thought this possible. Also one of our group said it was great to see this as it would inspire others to achieve more than they thought they could. Also, worth saying the interviews were great and the professional prodution quality was impressive.

Posted by Ray Harkin on 19 August 2011

Although we haven''t met, this is a brilliant story. Well done Mark, keep up the great work!

Posted by alison Mckirdy - Marks Mum on 19 August 2011

Just watched again for the umpteenth time (while crying!!). When Mark was born, it was 6 weeks before we found out that he had Downs syndrome, our life changed dramatically. We went through the grief of "losing" the child we thought we had and loving the child that we had now. No-one knew what the future held for Mark, all the worries and "why me?" and growing up through the years these worries continued with every milestone. Through Marks special needs school he was in a secure bubble and our worries depleted a small amount then started up again when he left this year. Thanks to Stevie and the team at kds and everyone else that has been involved with Mark, we KNOW that he is going to be ok. Our motto for all our 4 children has always been "My name is ???? and i can do anything". Mark will live up to this. He is enrolled in a course in college for the next 2 years and then the world is his oyster. THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE. XX

Posted by Stephen McDonald on 19 August 2011

What an INCREDIBLE journey youve been on Mark!! Your great sense of humour and determintation will stand you in great stead for your future, and I know that you''ll do great and achieve all your goals in life! Your a truly amazing person and Im really delighted that I got the chance to work with you and get to know you! Best Of Luck!!! Stephen McDonald

Posted by stephen Kidd CEO SKpeople on 19 August 2011

where do I start, I remember waking up the first morning myself and Mark met feeling strange and had a feeling something was going to happen, it did after training I met Mark. his direct approach inspired me, his zest for life amazed me, no limitations, his love for his family was evident to see to me, his hero his father Paul as he filled up when telling me. well Mark let me tell you something, you allowing me into your life has changed mine, you are a role model for me, you have changed me in so many ways for the better, its important that whatever we do next, is bigger and better but its for your life journey and respected and signed off by your mum and dad and family. I am totally speechless with you here, an incredible journey, lets make it bigger and better champ, we are the two main men, stevie kidd

Posted by Jordan Byrne on 19 August 2011

A truly inspiring video! It just goes to show that with a little encouragement, anything is possible, and your dreams can come true. Keep up the good work!

Posted by Stuart Smith on 19 August 2011

What canI say? Mark, what you have done this day is truely beyond the bounds of the English language. I watched your documentary and said to myself "this is a truely remarkable young man who can accomplish whatever he sets his mind to". I have spent the most of my adult life in the business of nurturing young men and women to reach their full potential and never have I witnessed anyone with the commitment, dedication and application that you have shown. I look forward to meeting you one day. Congratulations and an OUTSTANDING job. Please please keep it up.

Posted by Michelle Lockard on 18 August 2011

Absolutely phenomenal work. What an experience for Mark and what a journey he is on.. Incredible to be a part of KDS Group and watch this story unfold... Well done Mark...

Posted by Steven Hunter on 18 August 2011

Truly inspirational and humbling. Partnership working at the highest level. Well done to all involved and special mentions an amazing young man Mr Mark McKirdy. Steven Hunter Training Manager

Posted by Ross Devine on 18 August 2011

Apsoloutly fantastic night of success for Mark. Mark you have achieved so much and we are all so proud of you and this is only the beginning for you and we are all looking forward to what is next for your massive journey. Well Done Mark!!.

Posted by Joe Wilson on 18 August 2011

This video blew me away. I love the bit where Mark''s prepping food, totally concentrated and focussed on the task while people are buzzing around the kitchen. What an incredible achievement and an example to us all about how much can change when we challenge or, in this case, completely remove self-limiting beliefs. Mark''s a chef! Book me a table when you open your 1st restaurant Mark. I''ll be bringing the family, so make it a big table!! Truly inspiring.

Posted by rob clemence on 18 August 2011

Phenomenal...remarkable...extraordinary A moving documentary Mark - I wish you the very best on this journey of yours...

Posted by Roy Newey on 18 August 2011

Mark, thanks for inspiring me to work harder and be the person I can. You should feel proud to be a leader at your age. Roy Newey (USA)

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