Student graduates as nurse after donor helps pay for her studies
Posted 15 December 2016 - 15:30
A student has realised her childhood dream of becoming a nurse thanks to a donor-funded scholarship scheme.
Lucille Noone is one of eight nursing students to graduate this month from Manchester University following sponsorship through their studies.
Ms Noone entered university via the Manchester Access Programme, which supports talented school pupils from low-income families into higher education.
She attended workshops and seminars and was given support with her university application as part of the 18-month programme.
Guaranteed place
Once she had a guaranteed place, Ms Noone received an undergraduate access scholarship funded by the Himor Property Group.
‘I had my heart set on attending Manchester University, but the chances of me actually getting there were slim. I wouldn't have been able to attend due to the cost of accommodation in halls or commuting from home every day,’ she said.
‘The Manchester Access Programme and the scholarship that I received because of it changed all that. I am excited to graduate, follow my passions, and explore the variety of places that nursing can take me.’
Manchester University deputy director for development Lesley Dowdall said: ‘We are thrilled to see Lucille fulfil her lifelong ambition to become a nurse with the help of her donor.
Generous donors
‘We believe a young person’s background should not be a barrier to them gaining a world-class education, and through the generosity of our donors, we are redressing this imbalance.’
The eight students were among 28 to graduate this winter thanks to donor-funded scholarships.
In addition, the university currently has 996 undergraduate and postgraduate students receiving such scholarships, including 36 nursing and midwifery students.
A university spokesperson added: ‘Access to a great university is not just about family background – there is a stark difference in the number of students attending good universities in the north and south of the country – 19 out of the 20 councils that send the most students to top universities are in London and the south east.
‘In contrast, the 20 councils that send the fewest children to the top third of universities are predominantly in the more deprived areas of the north and the Midlands.
‘Donor-funded scholarships are vital if young people from these areas are to improve their chances of getting a degree and progressing to a good career.’
In other news