New fund to help students set up in memory of South Tyneside College founder

It is hoped the initiative to honour Dr Thomas Masterman Winterbottom will serve as a fitting legacy to his lifetime of achievement and benevolence.

Guests are welcome to attend the launch of the fund, which will set up health and wellbeing, business start-up and learning hardship funds for students in the UK, at 1pm tomorrow.

Three potential schemes overseas – including in Sierra Leone, where he made his mark as a physician early in his career – are being considered for support.

Combined, they aim to improve the learning and professional ambitions of dozens of people each year.

The establishment of the Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fund coincides with his birth in 1766 and comes with an appeal for financial and other support to ensure it reaches its potential.

Dr Lindsey Whiterod OBE, the college’s chief executive, said: “Dr Thomas Winterbottom left a significant legacy for every generation that has followed.

“The initiatives he set in place in his lifetime have had a significant, lasting and hugely positive impact on the lives of thousands of people since.”

To support the project, email [email protected] or call 0191 427 3717.