Dr Lesley Phillpots, senior lecturer in Sport Policy and Politics in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences (and prior to this the School of Education), died at home on 19 February 2016 after a long battle with cancer. Lesley was a respected academic in the field of Physical Education and, latterly, Sport Policy. Her teaching and leadership, particularly on the SPECS and AGMS programmes, were key factors in the success of these and other aspects of the School’s work. Lesley was always keen to put theory into practice, and her continued links to PE and Sport professional practitioners were appreciated by graduates and students alike.
The announcement of Lesley’s death led to numerous tributes from colleagues, students and alumni. Lesley will be remembered as a highly professional academic, a keen sportswoman and a loyal friend and she will be greatly missed.