An educational award for medical students, with an emphasis on care for the terminally ill, has been unveiled in memory of Brian Morris, a beloved professional golfer lost to cancer in January 2023.

The Brian Morris Palliative Care Scholarship was launched last night by the charity Friends of Hospice.

The group supports Agape House, the island’s sole hospice, and end-of-life care.

Laurie Morris, widow of the inspirational golfer, helped announce the tribute at an occasionally emotional gathering that celebrated Mr Morris’s spirit.

The grant will provide up to $25,000 annually to a Bermudian studying medicine or nursing, on the condition that they hold a 3.0 grade point average or regional equivalent, and show a commitment to serving the community.

The scholarship is aimed at hospice and palliative care.

Mrs Morris said the family were touched by the tribute to the 55-year-old, who was respected across the community.

She said they were “proud that it is going to strengthen Bermuda’s hospice and palliative care in the long term”.

“Brian was passionate about others, and it’s so fitting that his legacy will reflect that and show appreciation for the care that he received.

“Everyone deserves access to exceptional care, and this is another step towards ensuring that happens.”

Mr Morris gave an interview to The Royal Gazette in 2021 in which he spoke candidly of his battle with brain cancer, and his attitude towards life.

“I don’t have millions, but I have positivity to spare and I care; that may be worth more than any amount.”

The Friends of Hospice Brian Morris Palliative Care Scholarship is part of the charity’s commitment to developing the island’s pool of talent for hospice care.

It follows the Friends of Hospice Annual Brian Morris Memorial Golf Tournament, launched last year, which raised $33,000.

The memorial is now a yearly fundraiser for the scholarship, with this year’s tournament set for May 3 at the Ocean View Golf Course in Devonshire.

It comes with a trophy of handcrafted glass on a cedar base, and an inscription attesting that “each year that we present this award, we will celebrate his spirit and legacy”.

Jennifer Mahoney, Friends of Hospice’s executive director, said the charity was “delighted” with the launch.

She added: “We look forward to helping to nurture local talent in this underserved field as well as to creating opportunities for those who mean to share their skills with their island home.

“We are honoured that the Morris family have been so supportive of our mission and are pleased to be able to continue commemorating the giving spirit of Brian.”

Ms Mahoney told the gathering: “It’s so incredibly difficult to explain the concept and importance of both palliative and end-of-life care.

“A great starting point is to recognise these two terms are not interchangeable.

“All hospice care involves an element of palliative care, but not all palliative care administered is provided exclusively to hospice patients.”

She added: “Every person regardless of race, socioeconomic standing or religious beliefs, should have access to exceptional care during the two most pivotal points of their existence — when they enter this world and when they exit it.”

The scholarship has the backing of sponsors including principals Gosling’s and Ascot Re.

Other supporters include the Lindo’s Group of Companies and PRP Performa.

Malcolm Gosling, the president and chief executive of Gosling’s Export, said the company was “an enthusiastic sponsor of this worthwhile event”.

“After his passing, Brian Morris continues to be a catalyst in uniting us and providing a much needed service which will benefit the Bermuda community as a whole.

“Brian was such an inspirational character, especially in the face of adversity. While he is not with us in body, his ‘one love’ spirit is very much alive.”

Carmen Mendonca, a member of Ascot’s environmental, social and governance committee, said the insurer was proud to throw support behind “an event our team holds close to our hearts”.

“We are so pleased to see the success of the event catalyse the Friends of Hospice Brian Morris Palliative Care Scholarship — an award we will continue supporting,” she said.

“To many who knew Brian, he continues to be part of our Ascot family through his unforgettable inspirational spirit.

“Brian’s positivity and selflessness both on and off the golf course was a testament to his character and we couldn’t have picked better partners in Friends of Hospice to continue helping others as a compliment to Brian’s legacy.”

Applicants can go to the Bermuda Scholarship website, starting today at 10am, with submissions due by May 3.