Generous donation marks nursing fund milestone

The £1,000 donation to the Claire Chick Nursing fund marks what would have been her 50th birthday

Professor Aled Jones, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth; Dr David Jones, Director of Academic and Student Support at UPIC; and Samantha Davis, from the Development and Alumni Team at the University of Plymouth

Generous donation marks nursing fund milestone

The £1,000 donation to the Claire Chick Nursing fund marks what would have been her 50th birthday

Professor Aled Jones, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth; Dr David Jones, Director of Academic and Student Support at UPIC; and Samantha Davis, from the Development and Alumni Team at the University of Plymouth

10 February 2026

A £1,000 donation has been made to a fund created in memory of a much-loved nursing lecturer.

The donation from the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC), run by Navitas, was given to the Claire Chick Nursing Fund on 10 February to mark what would have been her 50^th birthday.

Before becoming a Lecturer at the University, Dr Claire Chick was an Academic Tutor at UPIC, and colleagues remember her as a “wonderfully supportive presence who championed the success of others as much as her own”.

The fund set up in her memory will provide travel bursaries, support for those facing financial or personal hardship, and other vital assistance to ensure that all nursing students can make the most of their education – and UPIC hopes to encourage others to carry out their own fundraising endeavours.

We first met Claire when she arrived on campus in January 2023 to start her journey as an Academic Tutor. She quickly became a highly respected member of staff, known for her expertise and positive energy.

Her rare ability to make every student and colleague feel understood made Claire a truly wonderful mentor. Claire’s devotion has helped everyone she knew to create a brighter, more compassionate future for the next generation of healthcare workers. To ensure her work continues, Navitas hopes this £1,000 donation will encourage our nursing alumni and the wider community to join us in celebrating her legacy.

Tribute from UPIC staff

Friends, family and colleagues have come together to create this special fund in Claire’s memory.

Thanks to their generosity, we are already nearly halfway to our goal.

This growing support ensures that many future nurses and students will benefit from Claire’s lasting legacy at Plymouth.

Ms Rachel Brown
Head of Development and Alumni Relations

More information

Claire Chick (photo edited so Claire appears in PhD robes)

Donate to the Claire Chick Nursing Fund

Midwife Indi Collier, former University of Plymouth Midwifery student

Study nursing at the University