John Davidson Adjusts Work Schedule to Support Tourette's Campaign
Tourette's campaigner John Davidson has reduced his hours at his long-standing role as a community centre caretaker to dedicate more time to his expanding international recognition.
The 55-year-old's life story is featured in the Bafta-winning film I Swear.
Since the film's international release, the Galashiels janitor has been contacted by hundreds of sufferers and supporters worldwide.
John, who now divides his time between his job and campaigning efforts, said:
"It's bizarre that people thousands and thousands of miles away feel they know me well enough from either watching the film or seeing me on television to get in touch."
Recognition and Impact of the Film
John, who experiences involuntary tics as part of his condition, was appointed an MBE in 2019 in recognition of nearly 40 years of campaigning and supporting others with Tourette's.
However, it was the release of I Swear last year that significantly raised awareness of the neurodevelopmental disorder.
The film won three awards at the Bafta Film Awards in February.
Despite the success, the event was marred by controversy when John shouted a racist slur while black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage during the ceremony.
John expressed that he was "deeply mortified" by the incident, and both Bafta and the BBC issued formal apologies.
Campaign Goals and Global Reach
John hopes the film will foster better understanding and greater acceptance of Tourette's syndrome.
He stated:
"There has been a movement created by the film - it's not just locally or nationally, it's internationally.
I'm being contacted all the time by people from the States, from all over Africa, China, India - you name it.
They all want to join in the conversation and help raise the profile of Tourette's syndrome across the world."
He added:
"It's been a hard shift since the film was released - there have been some pretty difficult times - but we're now seeing an awful lot of good coming from it.
It's certainly been worthwhile."
Changing Attitudes Locally
While John's story is reaching audiences globally, changes in attitudes are also being observed at home.
Dottie Achenbach, portrayed by Maxine Peake in I Swear, has supported John since his teenage years and often accompanies him to hospital appointments.
She remarked:
"When we went before you would have all these people outside the entrance, and when John would tic you would get all these tuts and people approaching us in an angry way.
They didn't have the understanding.
See now, we get out the car and minute he tics everyone turns around and shakes his hand and says things like: 'well done'.
What a difference the film has made."
Tourette's Awareness Event
John was guest of honour this week at a Tourette's awareness event held at Scottish Borders Council's headquarters.
Several local children with the condition joined him for a ceremony to illuminate the building in teal, the campaign colour.
One of the event's organisers, Hannah Hawthorn, commented:
"There is still a lot of judgement that comes from other people and that can be hard for people with Tourette syndrome.
Events like this are all about visibility, understanding and kindness, and are important for people to come together."
