TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘an amazing woman’ who led an extraordinary life.
Knutsford academic Dame Sandra Burslem, a hugely influential figure in Higher Education, has died aged 83.
The mum-of-three rose from lecturer to vice-chancellor during a 30-year career at Manchester Metropolitan University.
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She was made a Dame of the British Empire for her dedication to Higher Education, after being awarded an OBE and also served as High Sheriff of Manchester.
Sandra held a phenomenal number of posts with countless organisations and continued to serve the community when she retired.
She met the late Queen and Princess Diana as she held countless posts.
Sandra also volunteered for the Talking Newspaper in Knutsford, reading stories from the Knutsford Guardian for the blind and partially sighted in the local area.
Her proud family say she accomplished so much, they often joked she must have had a ‘time machine’.
Eldest son Eliot, 63, said: “She was amazing.
“Whatever she did had to be done to a high level.
“We always joked that she must have had a Tardis to allow her to do all the things she has done.
“Mum was always very conscious of making sure everyone was happy and content, achieving what they wanted.
“She was always ahead of her time, passionate about social justice and equality.
“She was a multi-tasker before it became fashionable yet she was never stressed and always had time to be mum.”
Born in Shanghai, China, the daughter of expatriates, her young life took a dramatic turn.
At just 15-months-old, she became a prisoner of war in Lungwha Camp, immortalised in the film Empire of the Sun, when Britain declared war on Japan.
Her family was in interned for the rest of the war and repatriated to the UK when the Japanese surrendered.
Back in England, Sandra became an outstanding student and won a place at Cambridge University.
However, she was unable to complete her degree after getting married and becoming pregnant at 20.
Determined to continue her studies, at 28, by then a single mum with two young sons, she enrolled as a mature student at Manchester Metropolitan University.
In 1971, she graduated with a first in politics and modern history.
Eliot said: “Mum always championed mature students, people having a second chance.”
In her late 20s, Sandra worked for the BBC as a TV presenter and programme director.
She left broadcasting to pursue an academic career.
After her retirement in 2005, the law school was renamed The Sandra Burslem Building.
She loved the arts and was actively involved at Chethams School of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music and Buxton Festival.
Pat Walton, paying tribute on behalf of the Manchester Mayors, said: “It was an honour to have Sandra as the High Sheriff of Manchester.
“She was a great inspiration and leader to all of us.
“She became our friend and joined our reunions.
“She had a rich and varied life which she fulfilled in a dignified and compassionate way.
“The Manchester Mayors held her in high regard.
“She certainly made the world a better place. She was a wonderful person.”
Sandra leaves three children Eliot, Matthew and Victoria and seven grandchildren.
Her funeral was held on Thursday, November 23.
A celebration of her life is planned for the new year.
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