Malcolm Wicks Memorial Fund honours former MP’s legacy

Six Croydon North students are set to benefit from a fund set up in memory of former MP Malcolm Wicks.  Each year six students will receive a bursary of £1500 towards the cost of studying at university.   Malcolm Wicks represented Croydon North in Parliament for 20 years until his untimely death from cancer in 2012.  He is still deeply missed in the constituency where he was a highly popular and well regarded MP.

One of the issues Malcolm pursued throughout his political career was making sure older people did not have to live in cold homes at risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.  From the publication of his ground-breaking book, Old and Cold, to his time as energy minister, Malcolm worked tirelessly to change Britain’s energy policy so that that vulnerable older people were not left to shiver in freezing homes.  Students can apply for the bursary by writing an essay on energy-related issues, with the winners awarded funding to help pay their university fees.  The bursary is funded by National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions.

Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP, launched the Malcolm Wicks Memorial Fund at an event in Parliament hosted by National Energy Action.  With Malcolm’s wife Margaret and his son Roger in the audience, Mr Healey paid warm tribute to Malcolm’s work as an MP.

Labour’s Steve Reed was elected MP for Croydon North following Malcolm’s death.  He also attended the launch event and commented afterwards: “Malcolm cared passionately about Croydon North and he wanted young people there to get the best start in life.  This Memorial Fund honours Malcolm by supporting young people from his former constituency to achieve their potential.  I can think of no finer way to pay tribute to Malcolm’s memory.  This is a living legacy that continues Malcolm’s extraordinary  work for Croydon North.”