Student gains degree, just days before dying
HE was a student who was determined to succeed, no matter what life flung in his way.
And Martin McClure still managed to get his degree - despite battling cancer and being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
Just days before he died Martin was presented with his certificate and it was hung on his wall by his hospice bed.
And the Ashington-born scholar died being proud of achieving his dream of earning his BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development.
Now, his father Ray has told how much studying for his degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University in Wales meant to his Dr Who fan son.
“Martin was delighted, over the moon. The hospice hung his degree on the wall so he could view it from his bed,” said Ray.
“Family, friends and neighbours flooded the hospice with congratulations cards. The volume of cards received amazed Martin.”
And the 44-year-old was delighted when one of the many messages of support came from the actor Sylvester McCoy - his favourite incarnation of Doctor Who.
Martin died peacefully at the
Nightingale House Hospice, in Wrexham, North Wales, on July 8 following a two-year battle with oesophageal cancer.
He was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in his 30s, and getting his degree meant everything to him.
Ray added: “Martin was a caring person who wanted to be independent, but he struggled to come to terms with his Asperger’s.
“When he was given the chance to restart his education, his studies gave him a purpose in life which was missing. He was especially close to his mum Diane.”
Martin was born in Ashington, Northumberland, educated in
Chester and had lived in Deeside, on the border of Wales and England, since starting work at Moneysupermarket.com after leaving school.
He was an avid fan of films, Formula One, video games and Dr Who, attending many conventions for fans of the hit science fiction show.
Martin was diagnosed with cancer in June 2018, but he continued his studies while undergoing treatment.
Ray said that university staff supported and encouraged Martin throughout his studies.
“Pursuing the degree meant everything to Martin - it became his life’s goal and ambition,” said Ray.
“He enjoyed the challenges each assignment presented, and derived great satisfaction from learning something new.
Martin received his BSc certificate on July 3 while at Nightingale House and it was a proud moment for him.
He was also supported throughout his chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment by his caring mother Diane and brother Calvin.
Richard Hebblewhite, senior lecturer in computing at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “Martin was an avid fan of games and technology, and enjoyed spending time with us in the classroom and at our various events.
“He will be missed by all of us here in the games community and it was a pleasure to see him receive his degree after all his hard work.”
His brother Calvin paid tribute on his Facebook page.
He posted: “R.I.P Martin, you put up a good fight, so proud of you, held out till you got your degree. So young, life’s not fair. Say hi to granddad for us.”