Scholarship created in memory of Dundee gaming designer who died
36-year-old Jody Gallagher passed away in March - just months after his brother died from a sudden heart attack.
The mum of an Abertay uni graduate who died after a battle with depression has created a scholarship in his memory.
36-year-old Jody Gallagher passed away in March - just months after his brother died from a sudden heart attack.
His mum Jackie's raised over three thousand pounds through an online crowdfunder - she said he was one in a million.
"Jody was a lovely caring, beautiful person, both inside and out. He had a real drive for art at an early age
"He played games but he wanted to see deeper, to understand how they work.
Jackie launched a fundraising drive, including a crowdfunding campaign on the website justgiving.com.
The appeal has raised almost £3,000 of its £5,000 target to date, pulling in donations from Jody’s friends, family and work colleagues as well as complete strangers.
The total also includes £305 raised at Jody’s funeral.
Jackie added: “We had already been raising funds in Robert’s name for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, and as a parent I wanted to do something for Jody.
“We’ve been holding joined fundraising events, and this is something we’ll continue to do.”
4th year Computer Arts student Becka Clark will receive the first ever scholarship.
She said: “I am honoured to have been awarded this scholarship, it means a lot to me. I can’t thank Jackie enough, this will make a huge difference to me as I move forward with my studies.”
Dayna Galloway, Head of Division of Games and Arts at Abertay said: “Jody was a much-loved member of the Dundee games community, and I would like to thank Jackie for this generous and meaningful scholarship.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge just how hard she has worked to make it a reality. Her tireless drive to help people in the name of both Jody and Robert is nothing short of inspiring.