The Simon Cole Memorial Fund 

Cuth’s has launched a new student bursary scheme aimed at improving mental health. The Simon Cole memorial fund has been set up by a group of alumni in memory of their friend and fellow Cuth’s Alum Simon Cole.

Simon Cole was a student at Durham University and a member of St Cuthberts Society from 1984 to 1988.He studied English Literature, and alongside his studies he was an active participant in Cuth’s life and a keen sportsman.  He played cricket, rugby and hockey for Cuth’s and was Captain of Cuth’s Rowing Club.  He was a well-known and universally liked figure during his time at Cuth’s, and was always helping and supporting those around him.

Simon joined the Police when he graduated and earned widespread respect for his passionate focus on supporting his local community and his colleagues.  He went on to become the youngest ever Chief Constable at the age of forty-three.  During his career with the Police he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the New Year's Honour List for 2014 and the Sir Robert Peel Medal for Outstanding Leadership in 2021.

Simon took his own life in 2022 shortly after retiring from the Police.  Simon’s family, friends and colleagues were all shocked and saddened by this tragic event.  Simon’s friends from his time at Cuths decided to establish a fund in memory of Simon, with the help and support of Simon’s family and in conjunction with the Society.

In remembrance and recognition of Simon’s lifelong focus on helping others, and on the value of communal activity to people’s wellbeing, the Fund will support student led initiatives which focus on student welfare, mental health and wellbeing.  

The Fund will seek to promote the importance to all students’ mental health and wellbeing of active participation in extracurricular activities like sport, drama, outdoor challenges and other social events by people of all abilities. In particular the Fund wishes to support social and physical activities which build personal confidence and facilitate peer support, which are inclusive and which are open to all.

The Fund hopes to be able to support multiple initiatives each year with individual grants of between £100 and £500 typically.

For further  information please contact the Vice-Principal Dr Jon Warren cuthberts.vp@durham.ac.uk