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Why we give to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Why we give to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Four inspirational supporters share their stories

David and Therese Whitehall

David and Therese Whitehall
Family Link Volunteers

"We volunteer as part of the University’s Family Link programme – where international students are ‘buddied’ with local ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ families to help settle them in to a new country.

"Through the programme we met Tafseer and Moshin from Pakistan. They came round a few times, had dinner with us and met our family. The thing we found most valuable was their insight into international relations. We’re both former teachers approaching retirement and were originally just looking for new ways to spend our free time, but being part of Family Link has in this way, continued the process of our own education.

“Experiencing different views and cultures is a positive thing and holding out the hand of friendship to someone who is not from this country is well worth doing. We got a lot out of the experience and we’re excited to be taking part again this year.”

Ruth Colvin

Ruth Colvin (Politics, 1970)
Donor and legacy pledger

“Being a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ graduate has undoubtedly changed my life.

“As a student of the late 1960s, from a working class background, my degree helped me to overcome some of the social prejudices prevalent at the time. It opened doors to good jobs and to that extent, it has been essential to me.  
“I’ve made a monthly donation to the University for many years. Now, I’ve reached a position in my life where I am financially comfortable and can afford to think about sharing more with others who are less fortunate. That’s when I thought about leaving a legacy.

“The University can help many people in ways that I can’t personally. There are so many young people at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ who need a helping hand. I want to give something back and education is a very worthwhile beneficiary. Knowledge is a wonderful, life-changing thing to both give and receive.”

 

 

Denise Kendrick

Denise Kendrick
Fundraiser

“It’s now 24 years since my aunt died of breast cancer, leaving behind two young daughters, and eight years since I was diagnosed with the same disease. That’s when I found out about Professor John Robertson’s work which now includes the development of the world’s first blood test to detect breast cancer early. 

“This simple test could save lives around the world. It has the potential to prevent women like me from having to have endure painful surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

“I wanted to support this research and do something in memory of my aunt, so I was thoroughly delighted when more than 70 people joined me to trek 105 miles along the Robin Hood Way. The weather was appalling with loads of rain, but nobody moaned – we just did it and together, we raised more than £22,000 for Life Cycle 6 and breast cancer research. It’s great to do something positive which helps make a difference."

Nathan Bostock

Nathan Bostock
CEO of Stantander UK

“Santander and The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ have been working together since 2008. With students and collaborative partnerships all over the world, the University shares our values of being a world-class organisation with global ambitions. 

"We provide funding for scholarships, internships, research programmes and much more. In 2016, we contributed prize money for the Ingenuity16 competition, giving talented student and alumni companies like One Third Stories the chance to grow and develop (read more here).   

"The partnership with the University is a brilliant example of how two very different institutions can work together. Our aim is to help students and academics to reach their goals, enriching their study and employability, and it’s been great to see so many people benefiting from our joint programmes. This is a major, long-term commitment for us and we are proud that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is part of our international network of higher education institutions.”