AddThis SmartLayers

Journalism bursaries fund launched in memory of graduate who died aged 28

A new fund to help students pay for their studies has been launched in memory of a journalism graduate who died suddenly aged 28.

De Montfort University has announced the launch of The Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, which will provide bursaries on its journalism and sport courses, as well as prizes for students who “go above and beyond their studies”.

Adam, who was social media and digital communications officer at the Leicester-based university, died in March this year aged 28.

He had collapsed while jogging after suffering a suspected heart attack, and the fund will also shine a light on and raise awareness of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found.

How Adam's death was covered by the Leicester Mercury

How Adam’s death was covered by the Leicester Mercury

In a statement, Adam’s parents Ian and Christine Redfern said: “Losing Adam so suddenly and unexpectedly came as a huge shock, but in the time that has passed since, we have taken great comfort from the outpouring of warmth towards Adam and the genuine respect for what he achieved in his short life.

“We could never have imagined that he would have made such a lasting impact on so many people.

“Being able to continue Adam’s legacy at DMU, a place where he spent almost all of his adult life, means a lot to us.

“We are grateful to everyone at the university who has worked with us to bring this fund to fruition.

“We hope that it proves to be a great success; supporting individuals and groups involved in journalism and sport; two of Adam’s greatest passions.”

The fund will also be used to provide support for DMU Sport and its student broadcast outlet Demon Media.

Fiona Dick, head of sport at DMU, said: “The impact of raising funds in Adam’s name is wonderful.

“Adam was a key player in the creation of DMUsport, he lived and breathed not just DMU football, but weaved himself into the very fibre of many student activities.

“The impact of supporting students who have demonstrated the values that Adam did is exciting.