Joyce Darlington (née Blow), a distinguished alumna of the University of Edinburgh, dedicated her life to making a difference—both professionally and personally. Her extraordinary career and heartfelt commitment to supporting students have left a lasting legacy, culminating in the creation of the Darlington Scholarship, which will help widen access to postgraduate study for years to come. Born and raised in Fife, Joyce attended Bell Baxter School in Cupar before studying history at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with honours in 1950. Her early career in the retail sector, first with John Lewis and later in advertising at Heal and Son, laid the groundwork for her pioneering entry into the UK Civil Service. Joyce met her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Darlington, while in London and her career continued to progress. One of the first professionals admitted under a new scheme in the 1960s, Joyce excelled in policy and regulatory roles, including senior positions with the Monopoly Commission, the Office for Fair Trade, and the Department for Trade and Industry. Her contributions to consumer protection were recognised with her election as a Freeman of the City of London, before being awarded an OBE in 1994. Joyce Darlington and her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Darlington, at her OBE investiture. Joyce also held leadership roles in the charitable and professional sectors, including as Chair of the Child Accident Prevention Trust and President of Women in Public Relations. These roles reflected her deep-seated passion for improving lives through thoughtful policy and action.Giving BackThroughout her life, Joyce remained deeply connected to her alma mater. A loyal donor to the University’s scholarship fund for over 35 years, she also served as an inaugural Trustee of the University of Edinburgh Development Trust in 1991 - a registered charity set up receive gifts to the University to support student scholarships and facilities, and life-changing research, which is still highly active today. When Joyce passed away in 2021, it was revealed that her longstanding commitment to education extended to her legacy planning. Her generosity has enabled the University to establish the Darlington Scholarship, a programme launching in 2025-2026 to support postgraduate students from Scotland. Focused on those who have already benefited from Access Edinburgh or Scotland Scholarships, the initiative will open doors for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to further study.Joyce Darlington’s vision of making higher education more accessible embodies her extraordinary generosity and dedication to helping others succeed. Her legacy lives on in the opportunities she has created for future scholars, ensuring that her kindness and commitment will continue to inspire generations to come.LinksThe Darlington ScholarshipScholarships and Student FundingLegacy Giving Publication date 04 Dec, 2024