Friends and colleagues of a much-missed University lecturer are raising money in her memory to support nurses of the future.
Fifteen people from across the University of Plymouth and healthcare partners are running at Britain’s Ocean City running festival in aid of the Claire Chick Nursing Fund.
Claire was Associate Head of Internationalisation in the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the fund set up in her memory provides student nurses with vital support.
This includes travel bursaries, support for those facing financial or personal hardship, and other vital assistance to ensure that all nursing students — regardless of background or circumstance — can make the most of their education and go on to make a difference in our communities.
The fund has already made an impact, with £1,500 enabling students to attend the European Network of Nursing Education (ENNE) conference in Salzburg last month.
Claire Chick(Image: PA)
Now the running team, who are aiming to complete either the half marathon or 10K route around the city on Sunday 17 May, are hoping to bring Claire’s fund up to £20,000 to help sustain it for future generations of Plymouth nurses.
Known collectively as ‘Plymouth Team Run for Claire, each member will be proudly running in green, her favourite colour, to pay respect to their much-loved friend and colleague.
Tim Murray, Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University, and Deputy Head of Education at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, has signed up to the run and prepared by joining park runs around the city.
He said: “When finding running difficult, we’re all encouraged to remember our ‘why’ – and each of us is keeping Claire’s memory close to spur us on.
“I’m running the Plymouth 10K to remember my friend Claire and support her fund. She had the wisdom of Athena and the beauty of Aphrodite – vibrant, kind and full of life. She was passionate about nursing, education, leadership and internationalisation, and lived by the values of health, compassion and excellence.
Candlelit vigil at Smeaton’s tower for Claire Chick following her tragic death on the evening of January 22 in West Hoe(Image: Carl Eve/PlymouthLive)
“Claire was taken from us far too soon, she is forever missed but she will never be forgotten. Through this run, I’m proud to help ensure her remarkable legacy lives on and continues to inspire future nurses.”
Professor Bridie Kent added: “I’m running for Claire as she was such a full of life person, and this run is about energy and drive. Claire made such a mark on everyone she met, and losing her hit us so hard.
“By running the 10K, I’m hoping we raise funds for the Claire Chick Nursing Fund, as well as reminding people just what a wonderful woman she was.”
Jennie Aronsson, Lecturer in Adult Nursing, said: “I’m doing this run for Claire – a close friend, inspirational colleague and strong woman. Raising money for the Claire Chick Nursing Fund is a way to keep Claire present now, as well as in the future, as the fund will carry her legacy.”
The justgiving page for the Claire Chick Nursing Fund can also be found here.
Claire, a mother and grandmother, was murdered on January 22, 2025, by her ex-husband Paul Butler in West Hoe Road. Butler later pleaded guilty to her murder and was jailed for life, with a minimum tariff of 27 years.