I am a final year PhD student at the University of Greenwich. My PhD has focused upon characterising and designing a system to stabilise and deliver protein antigens for oral immunisation. To get to this level of education was not straight forward. I live and went to school in Medway, leaving secondary school with good but not excellent G.C.S.E’s (mostly grade C). The grammar school I was studying at informed me that I was not ‘clever enough to continue with science’, therefore I was unable to continue at sixth form and complete A levels. I spent the next few years working with racehorses and caring for the elderly before having two children, (now aged 10 and 9 years). Having seen my sister study at University I decided to research what the options were to continue to study at the age of 22 years. I considered studying with the University of Greenwich partner college (Hadlow college), studying FdSc Equine Management. Unfortunately during this time I separated with the father of my children and became a single mum and full time student. I went on to excel in the subject I did so applied for help from the access to learning fund. This fund provides help for financially struggling students to continue with study by providing a grant to help with living costs. The fund enabled me to successfully complete my FdSc with a pass with commendation.

The level obtained from my FdSc was high enough to obtain entry on to BSc Bioscience with the University of Greenwich, and I excelled through this course, finishing with a First Class Hons and was awarded the prize for top student! I was subsequently awarded a bursary to study my PhD, which is almost complete. A PhD with the University of Greenwich is funded for three years. I have managed to meet this goal with two young children and having a new baby in the middle (now aged 1 year) and accidently braking my ankle!

 

Since I would not have got to this stage without the help from the access to learning fund and a bursary from the University of Greenwich, I am very keen to raise money for an excellent cause, to help other students in similar situations. I am embarking on a variety of challenges over the coming year to help raise Money for this very worthwhile cause, to make a difference to young people. My tri challenge will begin in July with my first challenge, London 10K run this will be followed by 100 mile London to Surrey (Prundental) bike ride in August with the final challenge in September; the Great North Run (half marathon). I hope to raise a total of £3000 for the 'make a difference' campaign to help other young people through University during difficult economic times.

Thank you for visiting and taking the time out to read my story. All donations however large are small will be greatly appreciated.

Wish me luck!