Asda colleague recognised for outstanding support of Tourette’s community

A colleague at Northern Ireland’s ‘first Tourette’s friendly’ store has been recognised for “helping to change lives” of people with the condition.

Asda Cookstown Community and Customer Champion Janice Gibson was presented with a special recognition award from Tourette’s Support NI for creating a welcoming environment for customers and colleagues affected by the condition. Her award comes five years after the charity named Asda Cookstown Northern Ireland's first ever Tourette's friendly store in 2021.

Established by Josie McGuckin along with Brian and Louise McCallion, whose son Deaglan whose son diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome aged four, Tourette’s Support NI works to raise awareness, challenge misconception and offer practical support.

Louise said: “Janice is a fantastic and has done so much for our community. From creating information leaflets and providing training for colleagues to supporting awareness days, she makes a huge a difference. Asda Cookstown was the first retailer to go above and beyond to support the charity and truly embrace us as part of the community.”

She added: “Janice’s dedication is helping to change lives for people in the Tourette’s community across Northern Ireland. She absolutely deserves this special recognition award and so much more for everything she does. We’re delighted to name Asda Cookstown as the first Tourette’s friendly organisation in the region.”

Janice joined other speakers at the event including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and John Davidson MBE. A well-known Tourette’s campaigner, John was diagnosed aged 15 and has dedicated his life to raising awareness, challenging stigma and improving understanding of the condition. His life story inspired the 2025 film ‘I Swear’, starring Robert Aramayo.

Also speaking at the event was Paul Stevenson, an award-winning advocate who was diagnosed with Tourette’s at 46. Using his own experiences, he campaigns for a more inclusive future for people with Tourette’s Syndrome and other neurodivergent conditions.

The event, hosted at Newry's Canal Court Hotel, brought people together from across Northern Ireland and highlighted the importance of connection, awareness and education for those impacted by Touriette’s.

Janice said: “I came away from the event feeling even more passionate about the work Tourette’s Support NI are doing and the difference they are making to families. I’ve seen first-hand how a small contribution can make a real difference, and how that has grown into something much bigger. It’s an honour to support the amazing work they do and help create greater awareness, understanding and education.”

For more information visit tourettessupportni.org