Richard Pover started his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Sheffield in 2009. He was passionate about engineering, loved the city, student life and his friends.
Devastatingly, when he was just 20 years old and in his third year of study on his undergraduate degree, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of testicular cancer. He passed away in 2013, the day he’d have left university had he completed his degree.
Richard’s story doesn’t end there though. He was a born engineer with a promising and successful future ahead of him, he was a conscientious and enthusiastic student whose tutors recognised in him the ability to succeed and the University awarded him a first-class honours degree, posthumously, in a private ceremony.
Richard inspired many and made a lasting impression on both staff and fellow students.
Since 2013, his family has worked with the University to create scholarships and prizes for aspiring mechanical engineering students in Richard’s name. It’s a lasting legacy to remember Richard’s love of Sheffield, the university and engineering. It’s also a chance to help disadvantaged but talented students, while raising cancer awareness. But, most importantly, it is a chance to honour and remember Richard.
10 years on, we are incredibly proud that more than £60,000 has been raised. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Pover family to reach this figure - a new target of £100,000 has now been set, so if you would like to donate, please visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/rememberingrichardpover
The Pover Family said: “The 10th anniversary of Richard’s death is a very sad milestone for us, but knowing that Richard’s memory will live on through the students his legacy supports gives us some comfort.”
Professor Lizzy Cross, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “We are honoured to welcome Richard’s family to our graduation ceremony this week. We will be remembering Richard and the amazing amount that has been raised in his name to support the mechanical engineers of the future. Thank you to the Pover family and to everyone who has donated to their fundraising efforts.”