News

Gemma Savage Memorial Award

(22 November 2002)

A special award ceremony has been held at the University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton to commemorate the life of Gemma Savage.

Gemma, a second year Biomedical Sciences student from Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham, was tragically killed while on a roller coaster ride at Lightwater Valley near Ripon in June 2001.

Staff and students joined family and friends to inaugurate the Gemma Savage Memorial Prize, which will be awarded annually to a second year Biomedical Sciences student for the most consistent performance. Gemma's mother, Mrs Linda Savage, made the presentation to the first recipient Glen Wilson from High Barnes, Sunderland.

Biomedical Sciences Course Leader, Gillian Campling said: "Gemma was always a hard working student and it is fitting that through this award, we will continue to remember her in such a positive way".

Earlier in the day, Gemma's parents, Linda and Stuart, her brother Robert and sister Rachel, unveiled a commemorative plaque on a bench overlooking the River-Tees at the Queen's Campus. The bench is a tribute to Gemma's memory from her friends at the University.

The family is continuing legal action in connection with Gemma's death.