About Katie Wilkinson
Katie was in her final year at UEA when, in November 2005, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Katie was brave and determined throughout her illness, but sadly in April 2006, the day before her 22nd birthday she died unexpectedly.
Katie spent her year abroad at the University of Calgary, making the most of the academic and extra curricular opportunities available; She achieved a near perfect grade point average, whilst spending her weekends travelling independently, learning to ski, and learning to two step cowboy style! Katie had lots of interests outside her academic world, including cycling, music, playing the drums to name but a few, but her greatest passion was supporting the mighty Leeds Rhinos. Katie's life was short, but she lived it to the full and achieved a great deal. Katie was bright, beautiful, funny, brave and determined. Katie was a thoughtful and loyal friend, as one of her friends wrote " It is difficult to put into words what made her so special but our lives will be poorer without Katie in them." She continues to touch and inspire the lives of many people through the work of the Scholarship. As many of you may know, it was Katie’s wish to have a tree planted in her ashes as she wanted to become part of the carbon cycle - in her words she wanted to be, "A tree which would grow strong and tall. ”
After her death we looked around for a tree planting site we thought Katie would approve of and found a lovely planting site adjacent to the river near Bolton Abbey. We have chosen a Field Maple for Katie, there is no plaque on the tree but Katie’s details have been entered into a Remembrance Book which is kept in the Post Office at Bolton Abbey. If you wish to see the tree we can give you details or take you for a short walk from The Strid car park or Cavendish for longer walk and coffee. To see the tree for yourself park at the Strid Wood car park and walk down to the River Wharfe. Turn left and walk upstream to the Aquaduct. Take the steps to your left and cross over the Aquaduct. Now turn right and Katie’s tree is second on the left. If you wish to park for free instead of paying at the Strid car park park by Barden Bridge and walk downstream to the Aquaduct. |
Extract from "Tree A Life Story" by David Suzuki and Wayne Grady
Katie bought this book as a present for us whilst in Canada
"Trees are remarkable beings. Rooted securely in the earth, trees reach towards the heavens. All across the planet. trees - in a wonderful profusion of form and function - literally hold the world together."