University pays tribute to Dr Lynn Faulds Wood

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr Lynn Faulds Wood, who became an Honorary Doctor of the University in 2004, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020. 

The family of the former presenter and campaigning journalist announced that she died peacefully with her family at her bedside. 

Lynn, who was born in Glasgow, began her career working on stories and campaigns for newspapers including the Daily Mail and The Sun. She then moved into breakfast TV, before helping to turn Watchdog into a primetime BBC One series.

A survivor of bowel and skin cancer, Lynn dedicated much of her life to raising awareness and campaigning on the issue of bowel cancer. Her investigations on the ITV show World In Action helped to create the world's first evidence-based guide to symptoms of bowl cancer, which was officially adopted by the Department of Health in 2000. She went on to co-found the European Cancer Patient Coalition in 2002, which she chaired for seven years, and also helped to set up MEPs Against Cancer - pushing the case to raise awareness of the disease in Europe.

Our honorary graduates are chosen, not only because they are outstanding in their field, but also because they embody the mission and values of our University, and that was particularly true of Lynn. A fearless consumer-rights champion, she cared passionately about people’s rights, in particular the most vulnerable in society. I loved and admired how she injected her personal energy into everything she did.  Lynn was a ground-breaking consumer journalist who really did stand for the common good.

We all send our sincere condolences to Lynn’s family and friends, in particular her beloved husband John and son Nick. 

Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, FRSE

Principal & Vice-Chancellor