Max receiving his masters degree in late February

Just days before a Preston man died from bowel cancer he received a graduation ceremony for his masters degree.

Max Neill, who blogged about his time in St Catherine’s Hospice, was given his honours from the University of Manchester who brought the cap and gown to him.

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The 49-year-old, from Broadgate, had done much to raise the profile of the hospice and also blogged extensively about end of life care.

His daughter, Charlotte, paid tribute to the university and hospice for organising the awarding of Max’s degree in critical learning disabilities studies.

She said: “The graduation was a very special occasion and we are all so proud of what he achieved. It was wonderful to mark his achievements through the ceremony, and I know he was pleased to have been able to share the occasion with his friends, family and the university.”

Max was in the hospice for a second time at the end of February, after spending his Christmas at the Lostock-Hall based hospice too.

He blogged about his experiences, for Blog Preston, and reached thousands of people with his stories.

Max Neill in the St Catherine’s Hospice grounds Pic: Sarah Walker

In a statement, which was released before his death, Max said: “I admit it felt risky to write about the prospect of my own death, how I intend to prepare for it. How I intend to live as well for as long as possible with the people I love before and until my

“But I decided to be as open, honest and simple in my writing as I dared. I think people who read my blog appreciated this approach. I would like the experience of the last months of my own life to be genuinely useful to other people – I wonder whether I can do this by writing not as an expert, but as a human being.”

St Catherine’s Hospice have released a tribute to Max, and his funeral was held on Friday 4 March at Red Scar Crematorium.

His family have asked for donations to go to the hospice.

Did you know Max? You can leave your tributes in the comments below