University thanks legacy donors and their families for their generous support

A special event has taken place to thank supporters and their families for pledging to leave a gift in their will.

The Legacy Afternoon Tea is a chance for the University to say a huge thank you for the support it receives towards its work and research.

This year’s event took place in the elegant Wedgewood and Music rooms at Beaumont Hall where more than 20 guests were welcomed.

Legacies Manager Dr Emma Angell from the Development and Alumni Relations Office explained: “The Legacy Afternoon Tea is about highlighting the power of commitment and generosity of individuals, each of whom has made the deeply personal decision to include the University in their will or has expressed an intent to do so.”

Guest speakers Dr Mary Mushambi, Dr Adam Bonfield, and Dr Elena Dickens from the Medical School Simulation Centre spoke about the impact of a recent legacy gift of £25,000 from former alumnus and surgeon John Taylor. 

John’s substantial gift was instrumental in equipping a new surgical simulation suite, providing medical students with an invaluable environment to practise essential skills. The suite was officially opened in September and is already hosting teaching sessions for undergraduate medical students.

Adding a touch of melody to the afternoon were three of the University's gifted music scholars, who showcased their talents in piano, clarinet, and vocal performances through their renditions of Stranger on the Shore, Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Fantasia Impromptu, and Send in the Clowns. Scholars are supported by philanthropy and receive up to £500 per year towards their music lessons.

Dr Angell added: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to the afternoon tea and to say thanks to individuals and their families for the generosity that’s been extended to the University. Their legacies really will help to make a difference to others and it was lovely to highlight just how and where donations have been spent. 

“All of the gifts we receive have a truly transformational impact.”

Among those who attended was Fuchsia Adamthwaite who graduated from the Modern Foreign Languages department with a BA in French and Italian in 2014. Having co-founded Adega Wine Cellar Ltd since then - where she is also a director - she has decided to pledge to the University and called the legacy event “insightful.”

She said she had been inspired to direct part of her gift towards equipment for a language lab after hearing about the donation to the medics.