Emotional scenes as family accept degree

Standing ovation as brother Lyle picks up sister Leanne’s posthumous award

I remember when a younger friend had a fitduringan assembly and Leanne took control of the situation in front of everyone. AUDREY MCDONALD

Hundreds of people gave a standing ovation as an Angus nursing student who died in a tragic car crash was remembered at an emotional graduation ceremony.

Leanne McDonald, 21, died after her car came off the road on the A937 Montrose to Laurencekirk road in late July.

The Montrose student had been in her final months of training and had already secured a job offer from the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Yesterday, she was honoured alongside her classmates, and was posthumously awarded a BA in children and young people’s nursing from Robert Gordon University in a ceremony at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom.

Older brother Lyle took her place on stage as proud parents John and Audrey looked on.

The hundreds of families who had packed into the ballroom to see their own sons and daughters graduate rose to their feet to applaud when Lyle was handed the degree.

Her father said: “Leanne always had a love of children to go along with her caring and thoughtful nature.

“Even from an early age, she said that she wanted to be a nurse, so that she could look after and care for sick people.

“It didn’t come as a surprise to any of us when she started training to become a nurse and it was an absolute passion for her.”

Leanne was a keen dancer and attended the Gordon School of Dancing in Montrose until she attended RGU. She was also involved with Brownies and Guides from a young age.

Audrey said: “I remember when a younger friend had a fit during an assembly and Leanne took control of the situation in front of everyone, which was appreciated by all of the teachers and the girl’s mother.

“Leanne was always there for anyone who needed help.”

Her parents added: “This graduation means a great deal to all of us. Leanne was a clever girl who worked hard to get into university, so she could pursue her dream profession.

“We were extremely proud of how she dealt with university life, and the effort she put in throughout her degree.

“It means the world to us that this is being recognised.”

Older brother Lyle accepted his sister’s posthumous degree.