The family of a much-missed Tarporley man want to raise money to set up a university scholarship in his memory.
Richard Pover was just 21 when he lost his 19-month battle with testicular cancer in June 2013, having been in the third year of a four year MEng degree course in mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield when he was diagnosed.
Despite undergoing extensive treatment in Sheffield including different regimes of chemotherapy, doctors were unable to save him and he passed away two weeks before his 22nd birthday, on the day he had been due to leave university.
But because Richard had such a love of Sheffield and university life, which helped him to maintain a positive attitude through his cancer treatment, his family are keen to create a lasting memorial to him, whilst helping others at the same time.
So far, £7,000 has been raised of the £10,000 needed.
Richard’s mum Anne said: “We would like to create a permanent endowment that would be named the ‘Richard Pover Outstanding Contribution Award’ within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield.
“Richard loved Sheffield, his course, the university and his friends. For this reason he kept his treatment in Sheffield, where his friends and university life undoubtedly helped him to maintain his astonishingly positive outlook and determination to carry on as normal.
“This would be an annual award to help the next generation of Sheffield engineers, open to all students within the department who have excelled in their extra-curricular activities and made an outstanding contribution, just as Richard did.
“If we could raise more than £10,000, it would become a permanent annual award – and what better way to remember Richard and in a place he loved.”
Anne added: “We realise this is a big ask but it is an opportunity to be part of a very personal, life-long tribute to Richard that will ensure he is never forgotten. We have got off to a good start but it still needs constant pushing. The idea of an everlasting award in Richard’s memory gives us some comfort as we learn to accept the desperately sad loss of our wonderful, courageous and inspirational son.
“It’s a way to ensure that Richard is remembered but also it’s lovely that our friends are taking part in this tribute and that we want to reach anyone who’s had contact with Richard throughout his life and also the rest of us because it’s important to us all.”
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/rememberingrichardpover/
