Death of Sir Jimmy Savile, OBE, LLD

An Honorary Graduate, Sir Jimmy, who died on 29 October, made generous donations to the University of Leeds to sponsor the LURE scholarship scheme.

LURE is Leeds Undergraduate Research Enterprise. In exchange for a bursary, LURE scholars undertake medical research, mentor other students and network with clinical and academic colleagues. Without Sir Jimmy's financial support, Leeds Medical School would not have been able to offer LURE scholarships.

The co- directors of LURE (Professor Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam and Karen Lee) said:

"Sir Jimmy was a truly extraordinary citizen whose immense generosity was coupled with a vision to make people's lives better, on every front. We, at the University of Leeds Medical School , were hugely privileged to have known Sir Jimmy and to have had his support for the LURE scholarship programme. We will miss his keen interactions with the scholars, and his boundless energy and support for LURE."

In tribute to Sir Jimmy's memory, the flag will be flown at half-mast on the Parkinson Building today (9 November), when a requiem mass is being held for him in Saint Anne's Cathedral, Leeds.