University graduate receives national award from Cancer Research UK
A graduate from our University, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, has received a national award in recognition of his efforts for cancer research awareness.
Dr Mark Sims, who graduated from our Medical School in 2013, picked up the ‘Ambassador of the Year’ award at the 2016 Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope awards event held in London.
The Flame of Hope awards event celebrates outstanding and continued efforts in advancing cancer research and fundraising made by individuals.
Dr Sims initially aimed to raise £1,000 via his JustGiving page but currently his efforts have amassed over £62,000. He has since used this money to fund three PhD students who themselves are seeking to improve treatments for advanced cancers.
Despite beating the cancer which was first diagnosed at the age of 15, Dr Sims was diagnosed again in February 2015 as having advanced and incurable skin cancer. He was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award 2016 in recognition of his courage, fortitude and selflessness.