A legacy of care
In a busy dance hall in 1965, Christine (BPharm 1969) and Graham Davis (BEng 1977) met, both aged just 17. She was studying for her A-levels, and he was an apprentice at Cardiff steelworks. For Christine, it wasn’t just Graham’s charm that caught her attention – it was his dancing shoes, a detail he still chuckles about to this day.
A bright and determined young woman, Christine did well in her A-levels and secured a place at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST) to study Pharmacy.
In a male-dominated class, Christine stood out – not just as the only woman, but as a student who worked diligently to achieve her goals. She graduated in 1966 with excellent results, ready to make her mark on the profession she loved.
Christine began her career at Boots the Chemist in Cardiff. It was a busy role, but she soon realised she missed getting to know her patients.
She went on to work in a clinical pharmacy at Llandough Hospital and later, returned to community pharmacy in Cowbridge.
Meanwhile, Graham’s ambitions brought him back to academia, and in 1974 aged 26, he began studying Electrical Engineering at UWIST. As he had supported Christine through her degree, she supported him through his.
During this time, Christine was working hard, with the ambition of going into partnership. Her dream was fulfilled in 1988 when she became co-owner of Washington Pharmacy in Penarth.
There, she was able to deliver the patient care she was so passionate about and build meaningful relationships with the community she was part of.
Christine became a trusted and much-loved figure in the town. Her dedication went beyond dispensing medicine; she was a source of support, care, and kindness for all who crossed her path.
In 2014, at just 66, Christine tragically died. Determined to honour her memory, Graham established the Christine Davis Memorial Prize. Each year, the prize is awarded to a student at the School of Pharmacy in recognition of their achievements. The financial support helps students pay for books, travel, and equipment, helping them on their journey to become the next generation of pharmacists.
Over the past eight years, Graham has enjoyed meeting many of these students at their graduation ceremonies. He knows Christine would have been proud of the legacy in her name.
Christine Davis left an indelible mark – not only on her family and her community but also on the future of pharmacy. Her legacy of compassion and care continues to inspire generations to come.
In Memoriam giving
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