Tayside cancer survivor to receive honorary degree for fundraising efforts
Fiona Edwards will be awarded the degree from the University of Dundee this afternoon
A breast cancer survivor who has dedicated 20 years of her life to supporting research into the disease will be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Dundee today.
Fiona Edwards has raised £100,000 for the university's efforts to treat the illness by making and selling homemade tablet.
The Monifieth gran told Tay News it came as a complete surprise when she was first told she would be receiving the award.
She said: "When you consider everything I've done it has been done from my kitchen, I'm just a one woman band.
"They (the university) have obviously realised how much effort I've put in over the 20 years and what a difference my contribution has made to breast cancer research in the Tayside area."
Fiona began selling the sweet treat at local running events and through friends and family in 2003 - two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and successfully treated for it.
Before retiring last year, she estimates she made more than 10,000 batches of tablet.
If each 15mm bar was stacked on top of each other it would reach an incredible 13,780 feet (more than three times the height of Ben Nevis).
The funds Fiona has raised have paid for trials at the university, including one involving the diabetes drug metformin, which was so successful at treating breast cancer it is now in public use.
Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:
“Our honorary graduates reflect our core mission to transform lives locally and globally. Fiona Edwards has dedicated nearly 20 years of her life to supporting University research, through the sale of her homemade tablet and raising over £100,000."
Global health scholar and practitioner Dr Jonas Nguh will also receive an honorary degree for his contribution to society, including pioneering a model for maternity homes in Africa and Asia which has helped millions of women.
The Graduation ceremonies will take place at the Caird Hall in Dundee today.