Tributes pour in for inspirational Allister

Apr 10 2009 by Lisa Boyle

AN INSPIRATIONAL student who raised thousands of pounds for charity as he battled cancer has died.

Brave Allister Boyd touched the hearts of hundreds of people when he refused to lie down to the brain tumour he was fighting.

His fundraising campaign raked in cash for CLIC Sargent and Teenage Cancer Trust.

The latest event organised by Allister was a fun day and 10k walk in his home village of Stair on Sunday.

But 20-year-old Allister died with his family by his side on Saturday morning.

However, scores of people turned out to enjoy the Stair fun day, just as Allister would have wanted.

As one person aptly suggested: “Allister will be up in heaven now, tapping God for a donation to his charities.”

Since being diagnosed in September last year, Allister set about raising awareness of teenage cancer and raising money for CLIC Sargent and Teenage Cancer Trust.

More than £150,000 has been raised so far, and the money is still rolling in.

His heartbroken mum Kim told the Post: “We are all very, very proud of Allister. He was a real inspiration to everyone.

“He began slipping in and out of consciousness on Friday and he died on Saturday morning.”

Allister was first diagnosed with a golf ball sized brain tumour in 2005. But he bravely battled the cancer and in February 2007 he finished his treatment.

Throughout his treatment, bright Allister also studied business at Ayr College and completed his HNC by the summer of 2007.

At the time, Allister told the Post: “I’m not the kind of guy to sit around on my backside doing nothing.”

Allister, then 18, got on with his life.

But he had a further set back when doctors dealt him a devastating blow.

The cancer had returned and Allister again had to battle a tumour on his spine.

His optimistic outlook and determination pulled Allister through and he beat the cancer.

Then in September last year, Allister and his family were told that he had another brain tumour and this time there was little they could do about it.

At the time, Allister said: “Of course I would rather live and enjoy myself than die, but this has put life into a different perspective for me and now I don’t think what might have been, I think what can I do right now?”

He set about organising a massive party as a thank-you to his friends and family.

He also wanted to raise money for the two charities which had provided so much support to him, his mum Kim, dad Robert and brother Russell.

His story went national and people all over the country dug deep to support Allister’s bid.

He went on to give public talks and even advise health professionals on the worries of teenagers affected by cancer.

As his heroic battle continued, so did his fundraising campaign, right up until the day he died.

Part of his legacy will be an award created by Glasgow Caledonian University in his honour.

The Allister Boyd Award will go to one student each year who shows an outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of others.

Allister also played a central role in the formation of Scotland’s first Youth Cancer Forum, encouraging young people from across Scotland to share and talk about their experiences of cancer and he always did this with a sense of humour and a smile.

May Gilchrist from Malcolm Sargent house in Prestwick paid tribute to Allister.

She said: “I feel very privileged to say that I knew Allister and my thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.

“His enthusiasm and drive was an inspiration to everyone he met and I will miss his beautiful smile.”

Simon Davies, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “Allister’s quiet and determined manner influenced the hearts and minds of politicians and health policy makers, and he was determined to make sure other young people with cancer would have the opportunity to be treated on a specialist unit – every penny he worked so hard to raise will go towards making this happen.

“His positive attitude and drive to help the Teenage Cancer Trust was truly wonderful and we are so privileged to have had his support.”

Allister’s funeral will take place at Stair Church this Thursday at noon.