A Scots student who lost her younger brother cancer has vowed to use his zest for life as a never ending source of inspiration.
Calum Turner, 16, lost his battle with Burkitt lymphoma, a fast growing cancer of the lymphatic system, in January, 2021.
He had been rapidly losing weight and was unable to walk even a short distance without having to sit down.
Calum was admitted to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and then moved to the Beatson Centre in Glasgow.
It was here that the 16-year-old was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma.
Calum spent six months in hospital and underwent inclusive chemotherapy with his family told to prepare for the worst.
By October, he was given the all clear but the cancer returned in December and medics told said there was no more they could do.
Before his death, Calum told his older sister, Kate, of Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, not to give up on her studies.
He added that he would be at her graduation from Edinburgh Napier University no matter what, encouraging her to push on.
She only sought a deferral from her dissertation which she dedicated to “Calum, my inspiration in life and my best friend.”
However, Kate walked across the stage to get her BA (Hons) in Psychology with Sociology today without her brother there.
The 23-year-old said: “My graduation was something we had discussed a lot along with his prom in June this year – they were things we were both holding on to.
"When he was first admitted, he phoned me telling me he didn’t want to miss my graduation, and that he would be there no matter what.
"As things got worse, university didn’t seem a priority but Calum told me it was and I wasn’t allowed to quit.
"When he passed away it was an immediate reaction to leave and not face going back to my studies, however his words kept going round in my mind and I knew I had to finish it for both of us."
Despite their five and half year age difference, the pair had been best friends.
Kate added: “Calum gave us a bucket list of things to do in his memory like going to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
"I plan to start working through that as soon as we can and celebrate his life while I do.”
She said her brother's courage and love of life would continue to motivate her: “Calum was so true to himself and unapologetic for it.
"His passion was music and art, and at 6ft 4ins he already stood out and with the tartan docs, bright coloured beanie hats and ever-changing hair colour, he always made a statement.
"He was quick-witted, loved a debate and had the ability to make us laugh for hours and hours. For one so young he did so much in life.”
In her University dissertation, Kate wrote the following in the Acknowledgements; “To my brother, Calum, thank you for teaching me that creativity can be expressed in a million different ways and for always reminding me that staying inside the box is boring.
“At 16 years young, you taught me life has no limits when you are fearless and brave and accept yourself for who you are.
"Thank you for being the motivation for absolutely everything I do and will continue to do in the future.
“This is the finish line you always encouraged me to reach, although it’s not together, this one’s for you Calum, my inspiration in life and my best friend.”
Calum came home for Christmas and spent the last two weeks of his life with his family before his death on Tuesday January 5.
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