St Mary’s Unveils Memorial Bench for Study Abroad Student

Students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham have honoured a former study abroad student who passed away, with a memorial bench that was recently unveiled on campus. Aleisha Derham, an Australian native who took part in St Mary’s study abroad programme in September 2012, sadly passed away in April 2013 after falling ill with meningitis. Current St Mary’s student and student ambassador James Anderson set up a fundraising page online last year in memory of Aleisha. Donors helped raise £1,667 which went towards the costs of the bench, with the remaining amount presented to a representative from Meningitis Now who attended the ceremony. The date of the ceremony was particularly significant as it would have been Aleisha’s 21st birthday. James, a third year Primary Education BA ITT student, said, “I would like to thank everyone that has been involved with raising money in the memory of Aleisha. The unveiling of the bench was a small ceremony attended by Aleisha’s partner Matthew and close friends, and proved to be a beautiful service. I hope students, staff and friends of Aleisha have a chance to visit the bench to take a seat and reflect on the people they’ve met and cherish them for every second they can.” Sue Whitham, Head of Student Services, said, “We are proud of our students for the way in which they pulled together at a difficult time. They have not only created a lasting memorial to Aleisha but have also raised money and awareness for Meningitis Now.”