The Chalky Carr Trust Patron, Gemma McCaw, announced the inaugural recipient of the Chalky Carr Trust Scholarship as former Shirley Boys' student Mario Williams.

Mario, in his first year at the University of Canterbury (UC) studying a Bachelor of Criminal Justice was presented with the first Chalky Carr Trust Scholarship at an official ceremony, in front of family and friends of Chalky Carr.

The Chalky Carr Scholarship has been set up in conjunction with the University of Canterbury Foundation specifically to help those impacted directly or indirectly by cancer. The charity's vision is to make a practical impact for someone living with a cancer diagnosis or their family members who need support through the journey.

“Mario is fine young man who richly deserves this award.  He has been described as a trooper, uncomplaining, valued highly at Shirley Boys’ High School even before he was diagnosed with cancer,” Chalky Carr Trust Board Chairman, Brett Gamble says.

“He wants to learn, wants to help everyone, including supporting team mates on trips away even when too unwell to play sport himself”.

Mario lost his Mother to cancer  in 2012.  His father faced the double tragedy of losing his wife and having his son diagnosed with cancer in 2017.

“His referee was genuinely nervous that she made a good impression on his behalf and there was a tear in her voice when she described how proud she was of him and his efforts,” Gamble says.

UC Foundation director Jo Dowling welcomed the new scholarship.

“The Chalky Carr Trust Scholarship is a fitting memorial to a remarkable man, which will provide a living legacy that will help future UC students achieve their life goals for many generations to come,” she says.

The scholarship marks the next chapter of the Trusts' story and it is intended to be offered to a minimum of one UC student per annum at a value of  $10,000 in perpetuity.

More information on the Trust can be found at https://www.chalkycarrtrust.com/