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Professor Peter Lea, sadly passed away on 16th June 2024 and his beloved wife Christine Lea who sadly passed away in August 2020 were both valued members of our alumni family. Their love story began in 1963, at the University of Liverpool when they met at on their first day in the Biology/Biochemistry department at the tender age of 18.
Their daughter, Julia Lea, (alumna), BA (Hons) Accountancy, 1988, celebrates their lives in words, and tells us what inspired her parents to continue their story at Liverpool through a lasting legacy, and what motivated her to give a gift in their loving memory:
“Their connection was immediate; I remember mum would tell me stories of how Dad would sneak to see her at the old ‘all female’ University Halls.
Despite them coming from challenging single-parent backgrounds with limited funds and no grants available, mum and dad made the best of their circumstances. Their shared experiences and determination likely pulled them together. They were the first in their families to attend university, and this was a significant honour.
They forged strong lifetime friendships during their time at Liverpool, with two of their friends becoming my godparents. I am still in contact with them to this day! Their love for the city of Liverpool was passed on to me along with a strong belief in the importance of education. After my mother completed her teacher training at Aigburth Vale School, she became a teacher, and latterly a Cambridge examiner. My father went on to become an Emeritus Professor at Lancaster University and received his DSC from Liverpool.
As for me, I never had any doubt which university I wanted to attend. I was inspired by my parents' experiences and my own fondness of the city; I chose Liverpool University after my A-levels. I remained in the city after graduation to complete my accountancy exams and only left after ten years when I married a fellow Liverpool student, and we moved to Southampton for his postdoctoral studies.
It was no surprise when my father expressed his desire to leave a legacy to Liverpool University. It made perfect sense, and I am delighted we are able to support students through the Liverpool Bursary and I know would have made both my parents very happy.”
Together the Lea family will provide support for the Liverpool Bursary which directly transforms the lives of students like Becky, a Biochemistry student at the University of Liverpool.
As a local student, Becky benefitted from the Liverpool Scholars Access Scheme, which provided her with guidance and support throughout the process of entering higher education.
For many students like Becky, financial challenges remain a barrier to accessing higher education. The Liverpool Bursary breaks down this barrier and gives vital support to students from low-income backgrounds helping with the purchasing of essential learning resources and the cost of living.
Becky lives at home so she can support her mum. By supporting the Liverpool Bursary the Lea family will help Becky to afford transport costs, enabling her to travel to campus to attend all lectures, workshops, labs, and tutorials which are key to achieving strong grades and pursuing her dream of working in drug development for conditions like fibromyalgia and coeliac disease. This financial help also means Becky isn’t pressured into a contracted part time role, which is difficult around a heavy contact hours STEM course and instead can work the casual Liverpool Advocate role around her studies, building her employability skills and inspiring the next generation of students into university.
We are so very grateful to the Lea family for their kindness and generosity by continuing their story at Liverpool in such a special way.
Just imagine the difference you could make by remembering the University of Liverpool in your Will. Find out more here or contact your friendly legacy officer Carolyn Jones.