From Classroom to Cutting-Edge Science: The Story of Thomas Drabble

Thomas Drabble’s life began in Harthill, South Yorkshire. He had a happy childhood and was always passionate about education from a young age. His memories of school stayed with him well into his later years, when he would recite the humorous poem ‘The Lion and Albert’ by Stanley Holloway that he had memorised at the age of 8 in primary school.

Tom’s love for school and learning led him to the University of Sheffield, where he studied a BSc in Physics, graduating in 1943. During his time at the University he lived in Crewe Hall and worked as a bus conductor on the route between Kiveton Park and Worksop. Due to the years in which Tom was a student, he was required to enrol in the army-run Senior Training Corps alongside his studies. His course was cut short because of the war to two years and one term. However, the experience he gained at the University in early radar systems helped him towards choosing a career in the RAF. 

He served during World War II spending time at RAF Cosford, before his postings with the Colonial Service overseas including India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Tom flew mainly in PBY Catalina used for anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorting, search and rescue and cargo transport. He spent his 21st birthday on a troopship in the Mediterranean en route to India. Following the war, Tom spent over 10 years in Nigeria working in schools to train teachers and helping to educate children himself, returning to his love of education.

Back in the UK, Tom went on to teach for over 25 years at Monmouth School for Boys in Wales. He taught Maths and Physics, and was also Assistant Master and Master in Charge of Shooting. When the new Science block at the school was opened in 1983, Tom was given the responsibility to look after Princess Margaret on her visit. Alongside his career and into retirement, Tom was a long-time server at St Mary’s Church, a patron of the Radio Society and he continued his interest in shooting as an active member of the Monmouth and District Rifle Club. He also enjoyed gardening, indoor bowling, and quizzes!

Travel remained a central part of Tom’s life, spending many holidays in the country’s he had served in, visiting the many different bases he had been stationed at. He would spend as much money as he could afford supporting the local economies and ensuring he played his part after natural disasters in the areas. 

Education being such a pillar of Tom’s life, he decided to leave a legacy gift to the University of Sheffield in his Will. This generous gift has been used to support work at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) and towards the expansion of Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). The research being done by both the GTIMC and SITraN is pioneering and truly life changing for so many patients and families. 

Gene therapy is a promising treatment option for more than 7,000 rare diseases that currently have no cure. Many diseases, such as motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy and haemophilia are caused by faults in our genes. These faults cannot be corrected by traditional medical treatments. Clinical trials have shown that gene therapies have the potential to halt disease progression, and improve symptoms. 

SITraN is one of the world leading centres for research into motor neuron disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The expansion will provide our researchers with the resources they need to continue with their innovative discoveries and ultimately find a cure for some of the cruellest diseases. 

Tom’s contribution to the continued research and education around gene therapy and neurological diseases has been honoured by the installation of a plaque at the GTIMC. Tom’s stepson recently visited the facilities for the royal opening of the GTIMC where Princess Anne was in attendance, the niece of Princess Margaret who his stepfather had met all those years before. John was able to see the incredible work being done by the researchers and see the plaque expressing the University’s gratitude to his stepfather. 

Tom will be remembered as a kind and patient man and the University will be forever grateful for the gift that Tom left the University in his Will. By supporting this facility, Tom's legacy of helping those less fortunate than him can continue long into the future. 

Leaving a gift in your Will or making a donation now

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