Cam’s Story
Cameron Day was an extremely gifted graphic designer who obtained a First-Class Honours degree from the University of Lincoln in 2021.
Just as he had completed his studies, in June 2021 Cam contracted Covid-19, and subsequently spent weeks in Lincoln County Hospital Intensive Care Unit, having his 21st birthday there on July 15th, separated from his family and friends.
Cam’s condition continued to deteriorate, leading to him being put into a medically induced coma on the 24th July, with the hope that this would give his body a chance to repair and fight the virus. Sadly, Cameron developed sepsis and multiple organ failure, but sustained a phenomenal battle. In true Cam style, and with a ‘Cam-do’ attitude, Cameron vowed ‘I will beat this’.
During this time a Just Giving page was set up by his sister Hollie Kemp to support Cam’s planned move to London, as he had secured a full-time permanent position with SODA, a prestigious graphic design studio.
Tragically, Cameron passed away in Lincoln County Hospital on the 5th of August 2021.
The Cameron Day Charitable Trust was established on July 15th 2022 (on his 22nd birthday) to honour Cameron's legacy and continue to support students to achieve their potential in his name. The charity seeks to continue supporting students of Graphic Design studying in the East Midlands, encouraging them to achieve their potential, increase their employment opportunities and promote the profile of Graphic Design; all things Cameron would do himself, if only he were able.
Cam was kind, supportive, intelligent and a friend to all. By sharing Cam’s legacy and continuing to support students with big dreams and ideas just like Cameron, his name and legacy will live on.
Please contact us if you need more information about the work of The CDCT, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and visit our donate page to see our fundraising events.
Cam’s Work
Cam was a passionate and talented designer who excelled throughout University, and won the School of Design Award for BA (Hons) Graphic Design Best Student in June 2021. Below is a selection of work completed during his degree. Some additional work can be seen on Cam’s Instagram page: @daysigned_
Plunge – the award-winning submission for JDO Raw student competition. Cam was tasked to elevate a dull product and make it more desirable, April 2021
Paralysed by Perfectionism – A book designed, written and made by Cam exploring the joys of imperfection in design, June 2021
Bodyworks – An interactive room design for a children's ward, part of a live project with the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, where Cam was shortlisted, May 2020
Invisible Cities – A page from Cam's award-winning ISTD book he designed and made, February 2021
Expanse – a support centre for homeless people proposed as part of the Creative Conscience project, February 2021
Flatlands – A typographic book made by Cam in his first year of university, June 2019
Bodyworks – A Reception design for a children's ward, part of a live project with the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, where Cam was shortlisted, May 2020
Goodnight Mister Tom – book cover design and illustration for Penguin book project, February 2020
Modity – Branding and design of flexible workspaces of the future, part of a Born Ugly project, November 2020
Plunge – Cam's winning poster campaign for JDO Raw student competition, April 2021
Invisible Cities – A page from Cam's award-winning ISTD book he designed and made, February 2021
Paralysed by Perfectionism – A book designed, written and made by Cam exploring the joys of imperfection in design, June 2021
Cam’s Legacy
Cam’s work was showcased as he won more awards after his death. His legacy continues through the work of The CDCT, and The Cameron Day Award for Contribution in Graphic Design – an annual University of Lincoln award for students emulating his values of hard work, determination and kindness.
Ebony Scrimshaw, awarded the Cameron Day Award for Contribution in Graphic Design, June 2022
A standing ovation, cheers and applause for Cam as his dad Neil waits to collect his degree certificate in Lincoln Cathedral, May 2022
Cam's family and tutor Rhona at the British Book Design & Publication Awards in London, November 2021
A drink for Cam and his certificate at the BBDP Awards, November 2021
Cam's Paralysed by Perfectionism book at the BBDP Awards, November 2021
Cam's JDO Raw Winners trophy, awarded for his Plunge project, September 2021
Grit – the winning design of the inaugural Roulette project – a collaboration between The CDCT, SODA and the University of Lincoln, June 2022