A Kilwinning graduate has been awarded the inaugural Claire Egan Memorial Award at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Kirsty McCallum, who graduated from the UWS with a first class Honours in BSc Biomedical Science, received the award certificate and £100 along with the accompanying memorial Quaich at the university’s graduation ceremony at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church in Paisley.

Kirsty said: “UWS was a great place to study and I am really thrilled and honoured to have won this award, which made my graduation day even more special.”

The award is named after UWS Biomedical Science graduate, Claire Egan, who was a double lung transplant recipient. During her degree studies, Egan consistently received university awards and prizes, with her achievements all the more remarkable given the major challenges she faced with an ongoing and seriously debilitating medical condition.

Commenting on the award Claire’s mum, Sylvia, said: “Both Joe and I were delighted when we were approached by the University about having an award in Claire’s memory.

“Claire loved her time at UWS and the support she received from her academics during her studies was tremendous.”

She added: “Many congratulations to Kirsty for winning this award. “It is a tremendous achievement and we are delighted that Kirsty is the first recipient of this award.”

Following her graduation, Kirsty, has secured a PhD studentship at UWS and will be making a key contribution to the EU INTERREG V supported cross-border research project of which the university is a key academic partner.

She said: “It is a dream come true to have secured a PhD studentship at UWS to study a lung disease which is such a huge problem for those living in my region of South West Scotland, and I can’t wait to work with colleagues on this exciting research project.”