Joseph Scargill received prize from Mark’s family during graduation
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) graduate who helped refugees to access sporting activities has been honoured through a new award.
Joseph Scargill, 21 and from Wakefield, is the recipient of the inaugural Mark Lees Endeavour Award. The prize was set up to celebrate the memory of Mark Lees, a UCLan sports development graduate, who passed away in December 2015 after a battle with a brain tumour.
During the period of his illness Clint Godfrey, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Development from the School of Sport and Wellbeing, got to know Mark and his family very well and together they decided to commemorate Mark’s life and achievements at UCLan with an annual prize: The Mark Lees Endeavour Award.
Mark’s family were given a shortlist of prospective names but they were unanimous in choosing Joseph who graduated this week with a First from the BA (Hons) Sports Coaching Practice.
"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."
Speaking on behalf of the Lees’ family, Mark’s brother Matthew, also a former UCLan graduate, 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, who attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, 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.”