Celebration Marks Milestone of Pears Cumbria School of Medicine

A notable highlight of the evening was the attendance of Sir Trevor Pears, Executive Chair of the Pears Foundation. Sir Trevor, who has been instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to life, gave an inspiring address that emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in healthcare education. The Pears Foundation generously donated £5 million to the school in November 2023.

In his speech, Sir Trevor said:

“The most important element that I have witnessed and that I was ultimately persuaded by, was the depth of understanding, respect and appreciation that all the individuals representing the two universities showed for each  other and a genuine partnership that existed between Cumbria and Imperial [College London]. There are clearly so many potential wins from this fabulous project for the students who are lucky enough to come here to study, for both universities, Cumbria itself, for its residents and for the huge number of visitors. My family and I are just so proud to be involved in this initiative.”

The event also featured addresses from Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor, University of Cumbria; Professor Hugh Brady, President, Imperial College London; Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Cumbria; Mr Martin Lupton, Vice Dean (Education), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London; and Sir Trevor Pears from the Pears Foundation.

Professor Hugh Brady said: “I am thrilled that this innovative partnership between Imperial and the University of Cumbria in medical education is attracting such a high level of interest in government, healthcare and higher education circles. Together we recognise our common strengths but also our differences to create something absolutely world class and this is what is what this is about. When I saw the quality of the simulation labs established on [Fusehill St] campus, I could say they are up there with the very best in the world. If I went back to my old stomping ground at Harvard now, you would not see better. It is incredibly exciting.”

Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor, University of Cumbria said: “Thank you to Imperial College London, for being both our advocate and partner in delivering transformational change. Our medical school will do so much more than the obvious, contributing to our workforce, economy, and wider health and growth.  Thank you to all our supporters, stakeholders, partners and colleagues will play their role in ensuring University of Cumbria doesn’t just survive but thrives”.

Guests were treated to a series of surprise guest speakers via short lightning talks showcasing different topics, including Professor Mary Morrell, Head of School at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine; Professor Jonathan Weber CBE, Co-Director of the Research Hub at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine; and Nik Hardy, Assistant Chief Executive, Cumberland Council. The event closed with a networking reception, where stakeholders discussed future collaborations and the next steps for the school as it prepares to welcome its next cohort of students.

Head of School, Professor Mary Morrell said: “We're looking to attract students who, will want to be in the Cumbria area and know about the Cumbria area, even if they're not from Cumbria. We want to attract students who, first and foremost, want to work within the NHS in Cumbria, either in primary, secondary, or mental health. It has been a delight to welcome everyone to this event and to see the vision become a reality.”

Applications to the School closed on 15 October, with numbers exceeding the intended target. The next phase for aspiring students includes interviews and offers that will be made to the pioneering first cohort in February/March 2025.

For more information about the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, please visit www.cumbriamed.ac.uk

WATCH: The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine celebration event.