Giving extra – David’s story
This month, we celebrate the life of David Atkin, whose generous legacy gift of £10,000 is helping fund vital breast cancer research today.
“He always wanted to give something back, and give something that was important to him” said his widow, Pat. “David was very active with a number of organisations throughout his career and he believed it wasn’t just about your day job but about the ‘extra’ that we all can give.”
David was a leading industrialist and one of many supporters who generously offer their business knowledge and life expertise to help the University. His relationship with the University started with a series of evening lectures which led to him join various committees. From this small start, he ultimately served 14 years as Vice-President and President of University Council.
He managed his voluntary support and guidance on top of a day job as Managing Director of the former Stanton Ironworks at Ilkeston, successfully steering the major international supplier of iron and cast iron products through nationalisation and privatisation during the early 1980s.
David made a huge difference to the University
Through his generosity of spirit and skills, David made a huge difference to the University in his lifetime and now, following his death, his support endures thanks to a generous legacy gift of £10,000. His gift will help fund our award-winning breast cancer research and offering new hope to thousands of women around the world. His family, Pat with daughters Lucy and Cathy, visited the University to present his gift and said he had been proud and honoured to serve the University even through challenging and difficult times.
“He was always prepared to assume the responsibility and go the extra mile when it was needed,” said Emeritus Professor Stephen Brown in the oration conferring David’s Honorary Degree in 1996. He will not be forgotten.
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