Message from Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive:
I am very sorry to share the sad news that Clive Richards, Vice President of the University of Worcester College of Fellows, died unexpectedly in the early hours of Friday April 16.
Clive was a great friend of the University and a particularly passionate supporter of the work to create a Medical School. Highly successful in business, successful serial entrepreneur, Clive was also a great contributor to social cohesion and a noted philanthropist. A huge amount of most valuable work is enabled through the good offices of the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity.
Clive was very proud of the work of his school, Bishop Vesey Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield, he chaired its Governing Body and supported the school generously as he did all the state secondary schools in his adopted county of Herefordshire.
A most generous gift to the University in 2011 inaugurated our scholarship scheme, encouraging many others to contribute, enabling the University to award £1,000 scholarships for academic achievement. Approaching 1,000 students have now earned scholarships.
Recently, the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity decided to donate £250,000 towards the creation of the Clive and Sylvia Richards Anatomy Suite. Clive, Sylvia and I were to have had a ‘giant cheque’ presentation on Monday April 12, but the unseasonal snow led to the postponement of my visit.
Just the day before Clive’s death, we were in correspondence about the medical school, with Clive, as ever, taking the initiative and suggesting we meet for a discussion once the Founding Dean had been appointed.
I know the whole University will want to join in sending heartfelt condolences to Sylvia.