I’m taking part in The Big Walk 2019, a walking challenge on Friday 28 June. I’ll be aiming to complete 23 miles through the Peak District, taking in Ladybower, Derwent Edge and Bradfield before making my way down to the University for a celebratory finish! 

Last year was my first attempt at such a long walk, but I did not make it to the finishing line as I had no liners in my boots - not a mistake I will make again given the resulting very large and painful blisters! So this year I most definitely want to do better and complete the course.

Fundraising for the Sheffield MRI-PET Scanner was incredible, we raised over £180,000 in total for the Scanner from the Big Walk 2017 and 2018. Building the home for the scanner is well underway (photo to follow). This year we are fundraising for Sheffield Scholarships, aiming to give as many students as possible the opportunity to come and study at Sheffield. Scholarships are vital to reduce barriers for bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to have a university education. 

Unfortunately, the cost of university is increasing, which is reducing the number of students able to attend university from lower income and disadvantaged backgrounds. The rising costs are not just tuition fees, but all costs, encompassing living such as rent and bills, textbooks, equipment, course field trips, sports, activities and travel costs. 

Students who are from lower-income backgrounds often have to turn to loans to cover the cost of living, which can leave these students with debts of over £50,000 or more. Fear of these debts can put off both prospective undergraduates and bright graduates from pursuing further study through a Master's degree. 

So please donate to my page to help give students the opportunity to come and study here at Sheffield. 

Further information about the Big Walk and Sheffield Scholarships can be found here: www.sheffield.ac.uk/big-walk