Ann Cairns
Alumna and honorary graduate Ann Cairns and her husband Jim are passionate about helping students in financial need, generously giving £108k to fund over 30 scholarship students. Whilst their most recent gift of £250k is set to make a transformative difference to MND and multiple sclerosis research.
What inspired you to create the Cairns Scholarships?
My husband and I both grew up on council estates. Our parents left school at 14, and we were the first generation in our families to go to university. We know how expensive continuing education can be and how there’s often pressure to start earning a wage. That’s why we wanted to support students who, like us, didn’t have financial backing from their parents to help them through university.
How do you feel about the difference your gift is making at Sheffield through the Cairns Scholarships?
During our last visit to Sheffield, we met some of the students receiving our scholarships. We had a wonderful morning with them at the students’ union. The variety of subjects they’re studying is incredible—everything from dentistry to linguistics. I think that extra financial support gives them the freedom to focus on their studies without the constant worry of having to fund their education through part-time work.
Having had the privilege of meeting you in person and witnessing the values that drive your work, I am truly inspired by your dedication and generosity. On behalf of all of us who have benefited from your generosity, thank you for making our university experience not only possible but truly fulfilling. Your support has given us the privilege to pursue our academic and personal goals with greater ease and confidence. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Rameen
Cairns scholar
What inspired you to support SITraN?
When we learned about SITraN, we were thrilled to see such world-class research happening in Sheffield. My father died of motor neuron disease, and my younger sister has been living with relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis for 30 years. Sadly, her condition has now progressed. So, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these diseases have on individuals and their families.
During a visit to Sheffield, we met Professor Pam Shaw, a remarkable person and a world-leading specialist in MND. We knew that SITraN wanted to expand, and we couldn’t think of a better place to invest some of our money.
How do you feel about the difference your gift is making at Sheffield through SITraN?
We know first hand what it means when family members have incurable diseases. The work done by Pam and her team is so important, for a wide variety of neurological conditions. It’s only through work like this that we will find ways to treat these illnesses, stop them in their tracks, or even one day stop them happening altogether. That would be an inspiring achievement and a great world to live in.
How would you sum up your experience of working with Sheffield as a donor?
Sheffield has been one of the best universities to work with as a donor. A few years ago, we got to know Ruth (our philanthropy manager) from the alumni office, and that relationship has led to many rewarding experiences with the university, both in Sheffield and London. Ruth introduced us to key people, including Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts, who has always made time for us whenever we’ve visited.
What message would you give to anyone considering a philanthropic relationship with the University?
I would really encourage anyone thinking about supporting Sheffield to go for it. It’s such a rewarding experience. It’s true that in the north of England, your money can make a big impact—and the people really appreciate it and put it to good use.
I’ve been very impressed by how the university is run. The students seem to have a fantastic experience, and the university’s research achievements are impressive—not just in brain research, but also in science, where their collaboration with Imperial College on Jet Zero fuel is especially exciting.