The heartbroken wife of a Co Tyrone man who died suddenly earlier this year has spoken of her pride after he was awarded a degree in Youth Work.
Conor McHugh from Dungannon died unexpectedly in March while he was completing a BA at the Open University, having been passionate about his work with young people for over a decade.
Conor’s wife Brogan is to pick up the degree on his behalf after he was awarded a 2:1 by the university based on his previous grades.
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Conor, 31, had been supported by the Cedar Foundation following a brain injury to secure a place on the degree, and had found a passion for youth work after being involved with the Start360 programme helping vulnerable young people.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Brogan said Conor always wanted to better himself.
“Conor worked for Start360 for four years, and had joined them 10 years ago as a participant,” Brogan said.
“He was just so passionate about children and he loved what he did.
“He always said that every child deserves a second chance at life.
“Conor finished school and went to do hairdressing, but he wasn’t in a great place.
“But he started to better himself and he did every course going that was available to him.
“He always had that passion for being a youth worker and that’s why he was so determined to go on to do his degree.”
Health care assistant Brogan said Conor’s sudden death still remains a shock to her, and it will be an ‘emotional’ moment when she goes to lift his scroll.”
“It was a total shock to everybody - Conor has a wee boy as well and he died on his wee boy’s birthday.
“I couldn’t be any more proud of him, anything he ever wanted to do he would have always strived to achieve it.
“It will be an emotional moment for me, but Conor continues to make me proud every day.
“He was such a well-known character, you couldn’t have walked passed him in the street without having a chat.”
Brogan shared a poignant note that Conor had written to himself in 2016 with the target of achieving his degree by 2023.
“I can, I will, I am more than able to,” the note said.
“There is no obstacle or barrier that you can’t overcome - believe what you put in and you will get out ten fold,” it finished.
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