Richard Pover Charity Ball 2023
“The 10th anniversary of Richard’s death is a very sad milestone, but knowing that Richard’s memory will live on through the students his legacy supports gives us some comfort.” - Anne Pover, Richard's mother
Help to continue Richard’s legacy
This September, the Pover family hosted a charity ball in memory of their son, Richard. The event was held to commemorate 10 years since Richard sadly passed away from testicular cancer. He was just 21 years old, and in his fourth year of a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Sheffield.
Since 2015, Richard’s parents have worked tirelessly to create a lasting tribute by setting up the Richard Pover endowment fund. The fund provides a scholarship and other prizes for talented Mechanical Engineering students. It enables outstanding students to get the recognition they deserve and is a lasting reminder of Richard's power to maintain a positive outlook in the face of great adversity.
Richard’s Story
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Richard arrived in Sheffield in 2009 to begin a Mechanical Engineering degree. He was passionate about the course and student life. Devastatingly, in his third year, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of testicular cancer.
Despite extensive treatment, Richard sadly passed away in June 2013 at just 21 years old - tragically on the day he would have left university had he been able to complete his degree.
A ‘born engineer’ and dedicated student, Richard was awarded a first class degree posthumously in recognition of his achievements. Now his legacy is helping students at the University of Sheffield to pursue their engineering aspirations.
Remembering Richard Charity Ball
The ball provided a wonderful opportunity for Richard’s family, friends and recipients of the Endowment to commemorate Richard’s life - to celebrate his positivity, his bravery and stoicism, and his wonderful sense of humour.
In attendance were several alumni guests who were fortunate to benefit from the Richard Pover Endowment. They were able to meet Richard’s family and friends and express how much Richard’s legacy has positively impacted their lives.
During the event, over £5,600 was raised to support even more promising Mechanical Engineering students. A huge well done to Anne Pover for her impressive organisation skills - especially when pulling together some incredible auction prizes, including a signed Manchester United shirt and a beautiful handmade quilt from a family friend.
Another of Richard's passions was Formula 1, a leading factor in his pursuit of mechanical engineering at university. As tribute to this, the University of Sheffield’s iForge - the UK’s first student-led makerspace - created these fantastic racing car balloon weights specifically for the occasion.
A lasting legacy
The Richard Pover endowment fund was established by Richard’s parents, Anne and David Pover, as a way to honour their son and support other young engineers pursuing the same dreams as him.
If we can support other students to go into the world and make their mark as mechanical engineers, just as Richard would have done, then we feel we have done something worthwhile, of which Richard would have approved.”
Anne Pover, Richard's mum
To date, over £60,000 has been raised to support and acknowledge talented mechanical engineering students at Sheffield through the Richard Pover Scholarship, the Outstanding Contribution Award and the Year in Industry Prize.
Matthew Dodgson, the first Richard Pover Scholarship recipient, found the award invaluable in supporting his studies
The Richard Pover Scholarship has enabled me to study without having to commit to paid employment, giving me extra time to do all the things I love which I am sure has led to significant personal development.
My degree, which has been significantly helped by the scholarship, has given me the grounding and base I need to fulfil my dreams and aspirations. I just want to say a massive thank you for this scholarship and everything it has allowed me to do."
The amazing work that the Pover family has done for this cause, and the impact that the Richard Pover Endowment has on engineering students, would not be possible without your donations and support.
To support the Richard Pover Endowment, please visit the Pover Family Just Giving Page.