University of Cumbria paramedicine academic remembered in new graduation prize
An experienced paramedic working in the UK and internationally is the first recipient of a new graduation prize established in memory of a University of Cumbria academic who died in 2025.
Dr Matt Capsey, a senior lecturer in paramedic practice within the Institute of Health at the University of Cumbria, died suddenly. Based in North Yorkshire, Matt was also the Associate Head of Professional Standards at the Royal College of Paramedics.
Above: Dr Matt Capsey (Credit: College of Paramedics/Capsey family)
Working within the university’s Practice Development team since 2023, Matt was a highly respected educator and colleague and described as a kind, thoughtful and generous friend to many, with his loss felt deeply across the university.
The new Dr Matt Capsey Continuing Professional Development Award has been introduced to the University of Cumbria graduations that have been taking place at Carlisle Cathedral this week (14-16 July 2026).
It was proposed by colleagues Dr Lindy Hatfield, Sharon Seddon, Sally Thompson and Richard Ward, who is head of the university’s Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice (CEPP).
Healthcare professionals who are undertaking part-time study on University of Cumbria programmes are eligible for the award, winners of which are selected by the university’s Institute of Health.
Members of Matt’s family were in attendance when the prize was awarded for the first time yesterday (Thursday 16 July) to Aaron Mallinson.
Above: Academics from the University of Cumbria Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice with prize winner Aaron Mallinson alongside Sue and Ellie Capsey, wife and daughter of Dr Matt Capsey
Aaron is recognised by his tutors as, like Matt, being passionate about developing his own and others’ knowledge and skills, as well as improving practice both nationally and internationally.
Qualifying as a paramedic in 2016, Aaron has successfully passed his Masters in Paramedic Practice Development with a distinction, with an average mark of 74%, whilst splitting life between Dubai and the North East of England.
An experienced paramedic with a foundation in combat medicine and close protection, Aaron runs his own business in the Middle East providing pre-hospital care training to aspiring clinicians, as well as consultancy services to enhance emergency response and security services across the region. In addition, he often flies home to the North East to work for a private ambulance service mentoring, supervising and educating, whilst also upkeeping his clinical hours.
During his Masters programme, Aaron gained excellent grades in Coaching and Mentoring, Leadership, Managing Within a Strategic and Organisational Context and the Management of Major Illness and Major Trauma.
Aaron 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.”
Richard Ward, Head of the Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria, 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, Matt’s wife, said: “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 new graduation prize was awarded for the first time 48 hours after Dr Matt Capsey received a posthumous Companionship Award from the Royal College of Paramedics at its annual Honours and Awards event held in Sheffield. University of Cumbria colleagues Sharon Seddon and Sally Thompson were also in attendance.
ENDS