Graduate is honoured for refugee work

A graduate from Wakefield who helped refugees access sporting activities has been honoured in a new award.
AWARD: Graduate Joseph Scargill received the Mark Lees Endeavour award from Marks family, pictured.AWARD: Graduate Joseph Scargill received the Mark Lees Endeavour award from Marks family, pictured.
AWARD: Graduate Joseph Scargill received the Mark Lees Endeavour award from Marks family, pictured.

Former Queen Elizabeth Grammar School pupil Joseph Scargill, 21, won the inaugural Mark Lees Endeavour Award after supporting Syrian refugees.

The award is a named after a University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) graduate, who passed away in December 2015 after a battle with a brain tumour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mark’s family were given a shortlist of candidates but they were unanimous in choosing Joseph who graduated this week from UCLan with a first from the BA (Hons) Sports Coaching Practice.

Mark’s brother Matthew, Speaking on behalf of the Lees’ family, said: “The whole family thought Joseph was the outstanding candidate. He gave so much of his own time to help others and in many ways reminded us of Mark. We think this award is a fitting tribute to Mark’s memory.”

UCLan’s Clint Godfrey added: “I couldn’t think of a more worthy winner for this inaugural award than Joseph. Not only is he a talented student, graduating with a first, but he played an important role in encouraging locally-based Syrian refugees to access sporting activities at the UCLan Sports arena. Joseph also supported students in other year groups in relation to project and placement activities while the relationship he fostered with staff and his overall commitment to the course was exemplary.”

Joseph said: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award. It’s a wonderful thing that Mark’s family has done. I’ve really enjoyed my time at UCLan and like Mark I’ve thrived in the supportive environment provided by the University and its lecturing staff.”

Joseph was one of almost 4,000 students who graduated from UCLan last week.

Related topics: