Some of Sheila Parkin’s (LHS 1953) happiest memories were from her time at Loughborough High School and she remained in touch with LHS and her old school friends throughout her life. Sheila’s final gift to Loughborough High School was to generously remember her school in her Will.
Sheila sadly passed away in 2017 as the vision for the new sports facility was being conceived. With the help of the Development Office, Sheila’s friends organised a fitting funeral featuring the School Hymn. The Parkin Sports Centre is a lasting memorial for Sheila and celebrates her life and the impact her philanthropy will have on today’s pupils.
Sport is an important part of a pupil’s education and, for girls in particular, it has a transformative power whatever level they play at. It builds confidence and self-esteem; develops teamwork and friendships; teaches girls how to win and lose graciously and the resilience and perseverance to pick themselves up after a fall. The Parkin Sports Centre has opened up new opportunities from dance to strength and conditioning, self-defence, badminton and basketball, enabling many more pupils to enjoy the same spirit of participation, variety, fitness and competitive success of those who passed before them.
Sheila’s legacy is also helping to provide bursary opportunities that are enabling bright girls from all backgrounds to make their mark in the world, reflecting her wishes and fond memories of her old school days.
