I'm taking on the Purple Wave challenge to support students here at The University of Manchester!
Emma Demiri is raising money for University of Manchester
Story
We all know that the cost of living has skyrocketed over the past few years. The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away; it’s simply been accepted as the new normal. But when you're already getting by on the bare minimum, making ends meet on even less just isn't possible.
I'm proud to work for, and be an alum of, a truly diverse university. Our University is a place where people can thrive - regardless of their class. One in four Manchester students come from a disadvantaged background. I was one of them.
When times get tough, it's always those who are already struggling that are hardest hit. And the financial pressure that many disadvantaged students are under now is putting their education at risk. Some are facing the very real possibility of having to abandon their degree completely because they can't afford to continue.
These are students who have had to work even harder than most to secure their place at Manchester. The situation they find themselves in isn't their fault, and it isn't fair.
Over the past year, more than 1,000 Manchester students applied for donor-funded hardship grants – more than ever before. And there’s no doubt that demand for them will continue to be incredibly high throughout 2025.
I know how vital those hardship grants are because I received one myself when I was a student here. It saved my degree and completely changed the trajectory of my life. I will always be grateful to the wonderful people whose donations made it possible. And I'm thrilled to now have the opportunity to pay back some of that kindness to the generation following in my footsteps.
That's why I'm taking on the Purplewave challenge, to make sure that my University remains a place where everyone can thrive.
So please join me in supporting Manchester's brilliant students by sponsoring me to walk 10k in the Purplewave today.
Thank you!