An Aberdeen university has launched a series of masterclasses in honour of a north-east teen who died of cancer.
James Stewart, from Peterculter, died in 2016 just a year after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
In the last two years, thousands have paid tribute to the Cults Academy pupil and a number of fundraising efforts were made for his chosen charity, Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Now the Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched the James Stewart Collaboration Masterclass series in memory of the teenager.
The decision to create the new classes was made in response to the 16-year-old’s dream of working within the health care industry and to pursue the subject at university.
Laura Chalmers, senior lecturer in the school of health sciences, has led the creation of the masterclass series.
She said: “The initial focus of this new series will be on health and I cannot overstate how honoured we are that James Stewart’s family will be in attendance at the first session.
“Over time, the intention is to widen the programme out to incorporate all areas across the university.
“Interprofessional working is relevant and essential in almost all professions and this series will celebrate the principles of teamwork that we place such an importance on at RGU.
“Developing talent and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do and this series will allow students, staff and alumni to showcase their abilities and realise their full potential.”
In the first session Aberdeen-based artist Brian Keeley will present his own experiences of healthcare throughout his critical illness and subsequent heart transplant in 2013.
Mr Keeley is currently in his fifth year of survival following the transplant, and will display his artwork A Chance to Swim within the university for the month of November.
Ms Chalmers added: “I am looking forward to bringing Brian’s story to a wider audience and letting people learn healthcare lessons from the patient’s perspective.
“It’s not all about providing a diagnosis or administering a treatment, but true care is also about acts of humanity and friendship.
“Those tiny moments of kindness that will last a lifetime for the patient and their loved ones – that is the real human face of healthcare.”
The first masterclass in the series will be delivered by the School of Health Sciences and take place on November 7 at 1.30pm, in the Sir Ian Wood Building at RGU’s Garthdee campus.
