Couple dedicate golden anniversary gifts to the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Fund

John and Diane Marchment together in two photographs. One at their wedding in 1973 and the second taken in 2023

The couple in 1973 and 2023

When John Marchment met Diane Patrick on her first night at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in 1971, they probably never imagined that just over 50 years later they would be celebrating their wedding anniversary with family and friends. Married in December 1973, the couple graduated in 1974 and 1975, and to celebrate, they did something very special to give back to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ.

For their golden wedding anniversary, John and Diane brought together family and friends for a party. With three sons and three grandchildren, they celebrated at their local church in West Sussex.

Their eldest son is a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ graduate, and John’s sister did Psychology at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, too.

With their many personal connections to the University and this special date in the diary, the Marchments wanted to give back to future students of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ by raising money to support those who are from low income backgrounds.

John said:

“At our time of life we tend to have enough 'stuff', so we wondered what charity to request donations for. As Diane was an orphan raised by her grandparents, she had benefited from a full maintenance grant and free tuition which enabled her to attend university and then have a career as a Leicestershire policewoman, an accountant and finally a priest in the church of England. 

“We wanted that benefit to be available to others from less wealthy families so requested donations to the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Fund, which we have supported for a number of years.”

They set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Fund, which raised over £350 from eight donations – with some from couples and families.

The donations will go towards supporting special student projects and will help students to access extra-curricular activities so that they can make the most out of their time at university. The Fund also supports bursaries and tuition fee waivers and can quickly help students in times of need.

John and Diane have kindly supported the Fund for a number of years.

Thank you to John and Diane Marchment and many congratulations on your golden wedding anniversary.