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Strathclyde student who overcame her own health problems to help people living
with disability has been named West Dunbartonshire’s Citizen of the Year.A
Strathclyde student who overcame her own health problems to help people living
with disability has been named West Dunbartonshire’s Citizen of the Year.
Jennifer McGregor, 22, who is studying Marketing and Business Law at Strathclyde Business School, received the award from Provost Douglas McAllister at the annual Provost’s Civic Awards on April 22 at the Clydebank Town Hall.
Jen suffers from Crohn’s disease and came up with an idea for an adaptable clothing line – Chronie Clothing - after having surgery last year. Her first collection, which can be adapted to accommodate medical equipment, will launch in July this year.
She has also made a start on a Crohnie Clothing menswear collection in memory of her brother Duncan, who passed away from oesophageal cancer eight months ago. She said any profit she makes from the menswear line, entitled Lucky Coin, will contribute to a fund in Duncan’s name to help diagnose cancer sufferers earlier.
Jen said, “I really couldn't believe I won Citizen of the Year. I felt giddy! I didn't even have any words, and I'm never lost for words. It's unbelievable and so unexpected.
“When I had surgery, I was just 21 and it was really frustrating to not be able to find fashionable clothes that were also comfortable. I wanted to create great clothes that can be customised for people who may have stomas, colostomy bags, or scars.
“I’m now working with a designer and will be launching an Autumn-Winter collection in July.”
As part of her degree, Jen is taking the Entrepreneurship Theory And Practice course at Strathclyde’s Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship. She was awarded £10,000 from West Dunbartonshire Social Enterprise Challenge to pursue her business idea in December.
She added, “I’m absolutely loving my course at Strathclyde – it’s so relevant and it’s been great to be able to apply my learning in such a hands-on way. I feel that I wouldn’t have got where I am without what I’ve learned.”
Provost Douglas McAllister said, “It was a joy to present Jen with the Citizen of the Year award. Jen’s determination to help others by starting her own innovative social enterprise is truly inspiring.”
Jen, who earlier in the evening was named Arts and Culture Champion, was selected from five other community champions who were announced at the awards ceremony.