Cameron Day: charity launched in memory of ‘kind and generous’ 21-year-old who died from Covid

The memory of a 21-year-old who died from Covid has been honoured with a charitable trust set up in his name.

Cameron Day, from Mansfield, was admitted to intensive care at Lincoln County Hospital with Covid in July 2021.

His condition continued to deteriorate while in hospital, which led to him being put into a medically induced coma in the hope this would give his body a chance to repair and fight the virus.

Sadly, Cameron developed sepsis and multiple organ failure, and sadly died a short time later on 5 August.

He had no underlying health conditions and his shock death has devastated his family and friends across Derby, Nottingham and Lincoln.

Soon after completing his studies and gaining a first class honours degree in Graphic Design at the University of Lincoln, Cameron had secured his dream job as a graphic designer at prestigious design and architectural company, SODA.

Sadly, Cameron was never able to follow his dreams and relocate to London as he became severely unwell with Covid just a short while after.

But Cameron’s parents, Alison Shaw and Neil Day, along with the help of other relatives, friends and staff at the University of Lincoln decided to create a trust in his memory which aims to help other students achieve their dreams.

‘Cam had the kindest most generous heart’

The Cameron Day Charitable Trust will support university students of graphic design, aged 18 to 24, across the East Midlands, and will focus on increasing employability by providing relevant resources and enhancing industry experience.

Alison and Neil said: "Cam had the kindest and most generous heart and was always eager to help and support others.

"With the help of his family, friends, the University and SODA we are continuing to do what he would do himself.

"We believe that he would be as proud of us for doing this, as we will forever be of him."

University of Lincoln lecturer Rhona Breeze-Lawlor added: "Cam left a lasting impression on our Graphic Design family of staff and students at the University of Lincoln; and whilst we are devastated for him that he wasn’t able to start his career, we are proud to be working with the CDCT and SODA.”

The lecturer said that students working on Roulette, which is a live student competition project run in collaboration with SODA, the University and the CDCT, produced “fantastic responses” in its inaugural year, and gave three students “some amazing opportunities”.

"We are excited to continue our partnership together in 2023 in Cam’s name,” she added.

High level of support for charity’s launch

Cameron’s uncle and godfather, Tim Nye, said it was “so lovely” to see a high level of support in response to the launch of the Trust, which “made us all feel Cam would have been proud of what we are trying to do, which ultimately is help young people pursue a career in graphic design and go on an to have the successful career Cam should have had”.

Mr Nye added that apart from the Trust, the “other big issue is of course the risk Covid still presents to everyone, even healthy 21 year olds such as Cam.”

He said: “We would encourage everyone to get vaccinated or a booster whenever it’s available.”

For further information or to make a donation, visit the Cameron Day Charitable Trust website or the Just Giving page.