A BOLTON Institute student whose determination and hard work was an inspiration to others has died aged 60.

Cerebral palsy sufferer Ian Hirst was awarded a PhD from the Institute 12 months ago and his brave battle to overcome his disabilities inspired a Bolton professor to set up a unit in his honour.

Ian, whose funeral was held on Friday, constantly ignored the medics and refused to let his disabilities stand in the way of work, marriage and a degree.

He was diagnosed with fatal stomach cancer soon after starting his PhD, but defied the doctors to finish his studies.

Even though he knew he was dying, Ian was determined his work should continue and, together with his tutor at the Institute's Humanities Department, Professor Robert Campbell, set up the Ian Hirst Centre for Practical Philosophy at the beginning of the year.

"To be frank, he bullied me into it," said Prof Campbell.

"He was very concerned that something should come of the work he had already done. It shouldn't just die with him. At that stage he knew he hadn't got long."

The Institute has part funded the new centre and sponsorship is being sought to help it organise conferences and seminars bringing together policy makers with interested parties, giving a practical application to philosophy, particularly in the areas of disability and social inclusion and the environment -- subjects Ian felt passionately about.

The first conference was held in July, attended by the now Dr Ian Hirst.

"I was so pleased that he managed to get his doctorate and attend the conference as Dr Hirst. I think that meant a great deal to him," said Prof Campbell.

Father-of-three Ian, who was from Ormskirk, had always felt frustrated by his lack of formal qualifications and started an Open University degree course at the age of 42.

He completed his doctorate 17 years later and dreamt of creating a foundation to change society and wipe out all discrimination.

He told the BEN in the summer: "Doctors told my mother that I was ineducable but she knew I was intelligent and was determined to send me to school. Now I have a PhD.

"When I was 17 I was told you'll never be allowed to drive a car so I bought an old banger, taught myself and passed my test.

"I think self is what we imagine we are and not what other people think we are. The difficulty is to try to communicate that to other people."

Prof Campbell has described in the past what an inspiration Mr Hirst had been.

He said: "Personal and social inequalities should never be a barrier to achievement. Not only is the chance to attain personal success the right of every individual, but it should be the aim of every civilized society."