In memory of Professor Julie Attenborough

The City, University of London community is greatly saddened to announce the passing of Julie Attenborough, Professor of Nursing in the School Health & Psychological Sciences.

In this tribute we honour an exceptional nurse, academic, colleague and friend.

Born in 1960, and the first of her family to go to university, Julie studied for a BSc in Politics at the University of York. During her studies Julie volunteered at a women’s refuge and was heavily involved in the politics of women’s liberation, something which influenced her throughout her life. After graduating and spending a year as a nursing assistant, Julie went on to train as a mental health nurse at one of the large mental health institutions in West Yorkshire (the High Royds Hospital).

After qualification, Julie practised clinically as a mental health nurse for eleven years, including work in community mental health services specialising in substance use problems and homelessness. Her early experiences of working with vulnerable women and children reinforced her emerging ambition to influence and change systems. She joined City, University of London in 1997 as a Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing.

During her 26 years at City, Julie held numerous leadership positions, including Head of Department and two roles as an Associate Dean, and her contribution was outstanding. These roles gave her extensive experience of leading on innovation, managing staff, curriculum development and strategic leadership across multiple health disciplines. Her warm and vibrant person-centred approach was remarkable, and she had an exceptional ability to build teams and collaborative networks. Julie recognised and valued the importance of working with others to effect meaningful change.

My husband, Steve Warren, who has patiently endured the entire journey, encouraged and supported me, celebrated the successes with me and helped me to think through the challenges, thank you for everything. Thank you to my lovely children; Edward, Matthew and Phoebe who continue to inspire and amaze me, I am proud to be your Mum.

As a Professor of Nursing, and having worked at City for over 26 years, Julie was not only a truly exceptional member of our team but also a valued friend to many. Her knowledge, dedication, warmth, and humour have had a profound impact on countless lives, and her absence reverberates across our University and the wider healthcare education community. Julie’s passionate advocacy of the Nursing profession, and of the role and experience of healthcare students, was at the heart of everything she did. Her extensive contributions to the healthcare education landscape, and the indelible mark she has left on all those who knew and loved her, will be her lasting legacy. We will miss Julie so very much; our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad and difficult time.