We were really lucky that his brother Mark was able to come along to announce and present the award despite the 600 mile round trip from Middlesborough to Canterbury and back in one day. Below I've copied the speech Mark gave on the night.
"Some of you may have known Iain Elliott. Iain started Aston University in 1995, studying Civil Engineering. That year he also began his career in charity work, joining Aston RAG and it soon overcame Iain's early career aspirations – those being either a spy or civil engineer – and it changed his entire outlook on life.
On leaving Aston Iain spent a year at Hull University running the RAG office, which I understand was by far the most successful year in Hull RAG's history. I have enjoyed various stories of kidnaps, thefts and feuds with other RAG offices along with stories of collections, megaraids, Loots, tours and Rag conferences! Iain spent the last 8 years working for Meningitis Research Foundation and in his time we believe he raised over £1 million for various charities. Through his enthusiasm and energy he persuaded countless more unknowing students to join the RAG cause who to this day hold Iain up as a RAGGIE legend - their words, not mine...
Iain sadly died of a brain tumour in March of this year, and to honour him we are having an annual Iain Elliott memorial bucket that will be awarded to the RAG office that raises the most for MRF, along with a £500 cash prize that can be used for the RAG office in any way they deem fit (petrol money, minibuses, donations, booze, Barney Rubble fancy dress costumes, dressing gown, chicken, fishing rod, strippers, whatever...) This way Iain's memory is kept alive in the people who made him feel most alive - his fellow raggies.
I'm pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s award is Loughborough Rag, congratulations to you! And to the rest of you - get collecting for MRF for next year!"
Iain was a friend and colleague of mine for over ten years I first new him as a fellow Raggie, as a charity rep and then worked with him here at MRF for 6 years so I know first hand how his enthusiasm for Rag inspired countless of students to go out and fundraise for us. As Mark said I hope that even now he's gone thats still going to continue through this award.