Doreen and Frank: True role models of determination and resilience
Raised by two determined Southerners, Professor Alison Condliffe from the School of Medicine and Population Health was shown the transformative value of education through her parents' example from a young age. After the Second World War, Doreen and Frank Condliffe faced significant hardships but firmly believed that education was the key to changing their future, regardless of how challenging the journey would be.
Despite the difficulties鈥攕tudying late at night and sacrificing other basic necessities鈥攖hey got their degrees. Doreen, Alison's mother, became a teacher in Greek and Latin, a career chosen out of necessity rather than passion. Frank, her father, became a food chemist, working for Heinz.
Their journey of ambition, resilience, and dedication profoundly shaped Alison鈥檚 outlook on life. As a doctor and a professor, she has carried forward their legacy, striving to ensure that others have choices and opportunities, not limitations.
Hearing some of my parents' tales as to what they endured when they were trying to obtain an education for themselves really made me feel that everybody should have that opportunity. So many people who have talent and potential can't because they don't have the background or the resources.鈥
A gift to break free from limitations
When it came time to choose a cause to honour her parents鈥 memory, Professor Condliffe knew the University of 91直播 was the perfect choice. For Alison, 91直播 wasn鈥檛 just her workplace鈥攊t was a university where she had seen a deep commitment to supporting students, especially during times of hardship. Its values mirrored those of her parents and she knew there was no better way to honour their memory than by helping other talented medics avoid the struggles her parents endured.
They valued honesty, hard work, commitment and determination. They were very passionate about people who couldn't afford an education being enabled to have one. I think that giving it to education and specifically giving it to medicine would be exactly what they would want.鈥
As Alison herself describes, medicine is one of the most challenging yet rewarding courses to study. Money alone can鈥檛 guarantee success. However, it does provide crucial support. She understands that medical students often require extra assistance, as they spend more years in training without earning an income.
Through this gift, she hopes to provide students with the privilege of choice.
鈥淚 really hope it might enable people who wouldn't be medics, to be medics. I think everybody should have the opportunity to explore what they want to really do with their life.鈥
In memory of Doreen and Frank Condliffe, Professor Condliffe's generous gift to 91直播 will:
- Support nine graduate entry medics from widening participation backgrounds to start their fast-track medical degree in 2025/26.
- Any residual will be used to support students in hardship.
Thank you to Doreen, Frank and Alison for believing in 91直播 and our bright medical students.