Press release

Actor, social enterprise founder and health professions pioneer honoured by Queen Margaret University  

Today, (Wednesday 7 th July) Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh pays tribute to an actor and humanitarian, the founder of Street Soccer Scotland and a healthcare leader.

The Scottish actor, David Hayman, star of Lynda Le Plante’s ‘Trial and Retribution’; David Duke, founder of the social enterprise, Street Soccer Scotland; and Jacqui Lunday, Chief Health Professions Officer with the Scottish Government were awarded honorary degrees from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

At a graduation ceremony in the capital’s Festival Theatre, Professor Petra Wend, Principal of Queen Margaret University, praised the contribution that the honorary graduates had made to stage and screen, the local community and the development of healthcare in Scotland.

Despite having secured a position as an apprentice in the Glasgow steelyards, David Hayman, took a place at drama school and then pursued an impressive career as an actor. Most widely recognised for ten years as Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Walker in Lynda La Plante's television crime series ‘ Trial & Retribution’, one of David’s most memorable lead roles was as the notorious Glasgow gangster, Jimmy Boyle in ‘ A Sense of Freedom’.

Over the years, David made a significant contribution to Scottish theatre through his work with the Glasgow Citizens Theatre and 7:84. He even became an accomplished film director but it was his compelling and dynamic performance in ‘A Sense of Freedom’ which established him as a highly marketable screen actor. Today he has over forty film credits to his name.

Professor Wend said:”Despite enjoying an impressive career on stage and screen, David gave up directing to set up the humanitarian relief organisation, Spirit Aid. As head of operations he is responsible for projects in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Scotland. His dedication to the acting profession and his passion for international health work, exemplifies QMU’s mission of improving quality of life.”

David Duke , founder of the social enterprise, Street Soccer Scotland, knows only too well the problems associated with homelessness. As a young man he cut himself off from his family and was registered homeless. However, his life turned around when he got involved in the Homeless World Cup. He played in the Scotland squad for the 2004 Homeless World Cup in Gothenburg. He then became Assistant Coach of the Scotland Homeless World Cup team for 2005 and 2006, moving up to Manager in 2007 when he led the Scottish team to victory in the Homeless World Cup in Denmark.

In 2009 he set up his own social enterprise. Through founding Street Soccer Scotland, David is tackling drug and alcohol addiction and other anti-social behaviour head on by providing diversionary activities. He believes that positive change can be created in people’s lives through participation in football, being part of a team, tasting success and dealing with defeat. Fundamentally, he argues it is about instilling a sense of purpose, a sense of motivation and a sense of pride in the players.

Professor Petra Wend explained: “QMU’s education and research is distinctively focused on matters of relevance to society and on improving the quality of people’s lives. David’s vision to create a social enterprise which leads people away from destructive behaviours, directly responds to some of society’s problems and impacts positively on people’s lives and communities, epitomises QMU’s values and mission.”

Jacqui Lunday has made a considerable contribution to patient care in Scotland over the last 10 years by leading developments for the allied health professions and healthcare scientists. Her desire to bring about improvements for patients by listening to their experiences and their families’ views of NHS care has lead to significant improvements for patients. This vision is exemplified in the Patient Experience programme for NHS Scotland ‘Better Together’ which has generated work in partnership with patients and families to redesign NHS services. This work puts the patient at the centre of everything that the allied health professions do.

Initially qualifying as an occupational therapist, Jacqui became the first Allied Health Professions Officer in the Scottish Government Health Department in 2002 moving in 2006 to her current position as first Chief Health Professions Officer. In her current role Jacqui provides professional leadership and policy advice to Government ministers for over 60 allied health and healthcare science disciplines.

Professor Wend explained: ”Jacqui’s work has lead to the formation of high impact strategies that touch the lives of patients and carers across Scotland. She is a person of great personal integrity, compassion and professionalism and exhibits genuine leadership capability. Everything she achieves is for the benefit of the service, the patients and their families.”

Professor Wend concluded:”We are delighted that all three honorary graduates have accepted these awards. Their humanity, passion, commitment and drive to improve quality of life, be in through healthcare, humanitarian work, performing arts or sports and coaching, sets a very high example and encourages us all at Queen Margaret University to build on our track record of producing research of true practical value to individuals and society.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

• David Hayman , was awarded the Degree of the Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa by Dr Richard Butt, Head of Media, Communication & Performing Arts.
• David Duke was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa, by Professor Alan Gilloran, Vice Principal (Academic Development).
• Jacqui Lunday was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa by Dr Fiona Coutts, Acting Dean of Health Sciences.
• About QMU - From its very inception, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, has focused on providing relevant education and research, addressing real-life issues to enhance the social and economic well-being of all the communities we serve. We have expertise in health; media; communication; performing arts; social science s; and business, management and enterprise. As a small university, we aim to offer a community environment to our students in which they can fulfil their potential and where they need never feel lost in the crowd. A commitment to social, ecological and economic sustainability underpins all our work.
• The Homeless World Cup - this is an annual, international football competition established in 2003 for people who are homeless and excluded.

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile: 07711 011239, email: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk

PHOTOS:

Top Left - David Duke

Top Right: David Hayman and QMU Principal, Dr Petra Wend.

Bottom: Jacqui Lunday