The University of Cumbria has awarded a new graduation prize to an experienced paramedic in memory of an academic.
The inaugural Dr Matt Capsey Continuing Professional Development Award was presented to Aaron Mallinson during a graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral yesterday, Thursday July 16.
Dr Capsey, a senior lecturer in paramedic practice within the university’s Institute of Health, died suddenly in 2025.
He was also the associate head of professional standards at the Royal College of Paramedics.
Members of Dr Capsey’s family attended the ceremony to see the prize awarded for the first time.
Richard Ward, head of the centre of excellence in paramedic practice at the university, said: “Matt was a much-loved member of the University of Cumbria community.
“He was both inspirational and motivational, leaving a lasting impact on staff and students alike. He went above and beyond to support students.
“He was known to bring creativity, energy and a genuine passion to his work, and he was always looking for ways to push the profession forward.
“He was passionate about his research area and was working on a post-doctoral award when he died. His dedication to students, and to the wider public through his research and teaching, was clear in everything he did.
“Aaron demonstrates Matt’s passion for our profession, working diligently through his studies and is keen to push forward the agenda of improving healthcare practice within the UK.
“His dissertation, a research proposal investigating the integration of digital decision-making support service to reduce medical administrative errors in the prehospital setting, reflects this aim.
” Aaron has been an outstanding, engaging student throughout his studies and we are delighted that he is keen to develop paramedic practice across the wider health sector.”
Sue Capsey, Dr Capsey’s wife, added: “I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to Matt’s memory than an award that recognises his key values.
“Our daughter Ellie and I are immensely proud of Matt. The Dr Matt Capsey Continuing Professional Development Award will ensure his legacy will live on. We are so grateful to the university for honouring him in such a thoughtful and lasting way.”
The award is open to healthcare professionals undertaking part-time study on University of Cumbria programmes.
Mr Mallinson qualified as a paramedic in 2016 and recently passed his Master’s in paramedic practice development with a distinction, achieving an average mark of 74 per cent.
He splits his time between Dubai and the North East of England.
He runs a business in the Middle East providing pre-hospital care training and consultancy services, and returns to the North East to work for a private ambulance service mentoring, supervising and educating.
Mr Mallinson said: “One of the reasons I moved into education was the opportunity to have a wider impact. As a paramedic, I can care for only so many patients during a shift, but by helping others become confident and capable clinicians – and encouraging them to teach others – that impact can extend much further.
“To know that some of the qualities associated with Matt have also been recognised in me is deeply meaningful and I will keep that with me forever. I hope to continue building upon those values throughout my career.
“I am extremely grateful to my family, the University of Cumbria lecturers and especially my supervisor, Dr Lindy Hatfield, for their exceptional support and encouragement.”
The new graduation prize was awarded 48 hours after Dr Capsey received a posthumous Companionship Award from the Royal College of Paramedics at its annual honours and awards event in Sheffield.
