There were emotional scenes inside Theatre Royal Plymouth as the University of Plymouth awarded a posthumous doctorate to much-loved nurse and lecturer Claire Chick.
Family, friends and colleagues filled the auditorium on Tuesday as a photograph of Claire appeared on the big screen, edited to show her in a graduation cap and gown.
Her daughter Lydia Peers and brother David Chick stepped forward to collect the award on her behalf to a standing ovation.
Claire was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy, the University’s highest honour, for her research titled “Testing an intervention to develop resilience in student nurses and embed a strategy in undergraduate curricula".
The work focused on helping student nurses develop the emotional and practical resilience they need to face the challenges of modern healthcare.
Those who knew Claire said the award captured the essence of her career. She was a compassionate nurse, an inspiring lecturer and a tireless advocate for students.
Her research aimed to strengthen the foundations of nursing education so that new nurses could enter the profession with confidence and care.
To continue her legacy, colleagues in the University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery have launched the Claire Chick Nursing Fund.
With the support of her family, friends and colleagues, the fund will help student nurses facing financial or personal hardship.
It will provide travel bursaries and other assistance to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can complete their training and go on to make a real difference in their communities.
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