Nurses to remember beloved colleague on fundraising run

Friends of Dr Claire Chick are raising money for her Claire Chick Nursing Fund at Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

Colleagues running in memory of Claire Chick

Nurses to remember beloved colleague on fundraising run

Friends of Dr Claire Chick are raising money for her Claire Chick Nursing Fund at Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

12 May 2026

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.

Donate

Visit the team's JustGiving page

The fund has already made an impact, with £1,500 enabling students to attend the recent European Network of Nursing Education (ENNE) conference in Salzburg.

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.

Remembering their ‘why’

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.

They also shared their reasons for running, along with pictures of their training.

Danny Clarke running in memory of Claire Chick

Angela Thompson running for Claire Chick

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.

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.

Mr Tim Murray
Lecturer in Adult Nursing

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.

Ms Jennie Aronsson
Lecturer in Adult Nursing (Education)

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.

Professor Bridie Kent
Professor of Leadership Nursing

I’m running the 10K to raise money for my colleague, whose smile and dedication should never be forgotten.

Mrs Michelle Clapham
Lecturer in Adult Nursing

I’m doing this run for Claire as she was a good friend and one of the first lecturers I met when I joined the University. We hung out and she showed me the ropes.

Mr Daniel Clarke
Lecturer in Adult Nursing (Education)

I’m running the 10K in memory of a dear work colleague who continues to inspire nurses and nursing students.

Dr Kevin Hambridge
Associate Head of School (Student Experience)

I’m running for the Claire Chick Nursing Fund so that when others are brave enough to ask for help, there will be help to be had.

Mrs Lisa-Marie Rowe
Lecturer in Adult Nursing (Education)

Claire was my friend and she’s sorely missed. I’m running to raise money so her legacy and impact can continue to be felt.

Mr Francis Thompson
Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing (Education)

I am running to support Claire’s legacy, a celebration of the impact she made and support the work her memory inspires in others.

Kate Tantam from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

More information

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

Read about the Claire Chick Nursing Fund

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child health) - recruitment days

Study nursing at Plymouth

Students supported to attend international event