Caledonian University Students' Association

Student has new award created in his honour

An inspirational Glasgow Caledonian University student is to receive the ultimate recognition from the university community, by having a new Student Leaders Award named in his honour.

Nineteen year old Allister Boyd, who has terminal cancer, is being recognised by his peers for his exceptional fundraising and awareness enhancing activities for teenage cancer and teenage cancer care.

Allister, from Stair in Ayrshire, has been involved in fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust and CLICSargent since his first diagnosis three years ago. Earlier this month he raised £80,000 for the charities in just three weeks. He has also worked hard to improve understanding and awareness of teenage cancer since his initial diagnosis, and this has involved him talking to doctors about caring for teenagers with cancer at a British Medical Association Conference and speaking with school pupils, fellow cancer patients, medical professionals, specialist fundraising groups and the general public about the unique needs of teenage cancer patients.

The Allister Boyd Award for Contribution to Health and Wellbeing in a Leadership Role will recognise Allister’s achievements in 2009 and in the following years will be awarded to a Glasgow Caledonian student who demonstrates a similarly outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of others.

In a joint letter to Allister congratulating him on his success, Glasgow Caledonian University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies and Student President Paddy Hastie said: “Since you joined the university your character, the commitment you show to your studies, and the manner in which you engage with staff and your fellow students have epitomised what a Glasgow Caledonian student should aspire to. Furthermore, you have shown true leadership qualities through your outstanding contribution to fundraising in the area of health and wellbeing. Thanks to your continued efforts, you are an inspiration to all Glasgow Caledonian University students, past, present and future.”

Said Allister: “I am amazed the university wants an award in my name. It is incredible to think that you have made an impact like that, but I have always felt ‘what would you rather do: smile or cry?’ Of course I would rather live and enjoy myself than die, but this has put life into a different perspective for me and now I don’t think what might have been, I think ‘what can I do right now?’”

The Glasgow Caledonian Student Leaders Programme formally recognises student volunteers who embody the university’s values and commitment to the ‘common weal’, who have contributed to the student experience through Students’ Association activities and leadership roles at university, and who are active role models for other students and young people.

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