Dr Josephine Clarke - A lifetime of caring and a life-saving legacy
Dr Josephine (Jo) Clarke studied Medicine at the University of Sheffield, graduating in 1962. She was a loyal supporter of the University and gave generously throughout her lifetime. She kindly supported scholarships, allowing talented students to attend university, without having to worry about financial pressure.
When Jo died we, at her family's behest, established the Josephine Clarke Fund that focuses on stillbirth research.
To this day, the fund continues to make a tangible difference by providing bursaries for students to attend conferences, or invest in small pieces of equipment for their research. Furthermore, the fund provides support for health professionals working in this area.
Dr Elspeth Whitby, consultant radiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and visiting Honorary Senior Lecturer, is the lead academic working on the project detailed what the fund is supporting. Currently, a PhD is looking at Placental morphology and texture changes to detect changes that might help to identify features that indicate disorders of fetal growth that are sometimes seen in stillbirths. The fund is being used to cover the cost of placental tissue analysis to allow this important research to continue.
Also, a master’s project has also been completed, thanks to assessing patient perception of the MRI process during pregnancy. This looked at the stress of the appointment, the scan itself, and the outcomes. As a result of this research, the uncertainty of what happens in the scan was identified as one of the major stresses for parents. As such, further development of the fetal MRI website has taken place; and a ‘walk-through’ video for parents, to show exactly what will happen on the day of the scan, is available. Families are supported through the website.
Dr Whitby was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for her work that had led to long-lasting, significant improvements in women's health.
Eleanor, a medical student at the University, was able to attend the International Stillbirth Alliance Conference.
It was a profound and eye-opening experience. To have the opportunity to present my research to experts and healthcare professionals from around the world was an incredible experience as a student. Immersing myself in the current research into the global issue of stillbirth and future developments in patient care not only broadened my understanding of the topic, but also inspired me further to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynaecology, with a focus on stillbirth. I would not have been able to attend without help from the Josephine Clarke fund. Even though we never met, I am humbled and proud to be a part of her legacy in promoting stillbirth research, and I hope to continue being involved in this pivotal health issue during my medical educational journey and career.
Eleanor
University of Sheffield alumna
Eleanor has now graduated as a Doctor from the University and has obtained an Obstetrics and Gynaecology training contract. She is keen to pursue further research into stillbirth during her career.
Jo’s legacy funds not only medical research into stillbirths but also eye-opening for medical students like Eleanor who will go on to help parents and babies for generations to come.
The University is deeply moved to have been held in such lasting regard by Jo and her family, and that - more than 60 years after her graduation - her legacy will live on through the students, researchers, parents and babies that she has helped.
Leaving a gift in your Will
If you would like further information about supporting the University now or in the future, please contact David Meadows. David is our Senior Philanthropy Manager for Legacies and a Sheffield graduate himself. He would love to have a confidential chat with you about supporting the University.
Telephone: 0114 222 1073
Email: d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk