Family honouring University of Worcester student who passed away before graduation
Daniel Player died last year after achieving his Game Art degree at the University of Worcester
The family of a University of Worcester student who died before he could graduate are set to honour him today (March 4) by picking up his degree.
Daniel Player studied game art part-time over six years at the university so he could manage his health after he was born with scoliosis and restrictive lung disease.
He passed away last year, with his family now set to collect his degree certificate at the University’s spring graduation ceremony at Worcester Cathedral.
Daniel's father Martin said the occasion would be an '"emotional but an appropriate and meaningful time" for them as a family to honour Dan’s achievements and it gives them "immense pride" to be able to have a moment of remembrance during the graduation.
Brother-in-law Nathan Beard is set to run a marathon in memory of Daniel next month, he says Daniel was a 'great person' to be around and a 'very likeable character'.
"I think a lot of people have always had fond memories of Daniel, whether they've met him on a regular basis or even a one-off," he said.
"The ceremony is a bittersweet moment, he worked so hard over those six years to complete his degree and we're upset that we weren't able to celebrate this by him going up on stage and collecting his certificate.
"We're very grateful to the university for allowing us as a family to honour him in collecting his degree."
Senior lecturer and course leader in game art at the university Jacqui Edwards described Daniel as a "promising environment artist” who was "always happy to share ideas and knowledge to grow as an artist and help his friends and classmates.”
Daniel's family are aiming to put in place a degree completion prize in his name to create what they say would be a 'lasting legacy' that could support future students.
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