How you make it count
Your gift makes a difference
Dear Friends and Supporters
It is my pleasure to share this year’s University of Plymouth’s Donor Report with you.
Having recently joined the University, I already feel honoured to be part of this inspiring and welcoming community. I believe in the power of higher education, the importance of access to academia and the global impact of our research. In my first months here, I have been inspired to learn about the many ways you, our valued supporters, are contributing to this work at Plymouth.
In these pages, you will meet remarkable students like Syeda, who overcame significant personal and financial challenges to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor; Elena, whose involvement in the Tamar Engineering Project has opened doors to an exciting career in engineering; and care leaver students who are enjoying all that a university education can offer, thanks to support from donors like you.
You’ll also learn about the funding of PhD researchers like Sean Kelly, whose work in health is tackling drug-resistant infections that affect people with cystic fibrosis.
These stories celebrate the role you play in transforming lives. On behalf of everyone here at the University of Plymouth, I extend my thanks for your vision. We are proud to share these accomplishments with you and I look forward to all that we can achieve together in the years to come.
Very best regards
Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor
Syeda's journey to medicine
My name is Syeda, and thanks to generous donors like you, I have smoothly settled into university life and am pursuing my goal of becoming a doctor to help disadvantaged communities access healthcare. My passion for medicine began in Pakistan, where I saw firsthand the struggles many faced in obtaining quality healthcare due to limited resources.
Although I enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle with my father working as a lawyer, our move to the UK when I was 14 drastically changed our circumstances. My father’s qualifications were not recognised, and I struggled to adjust to a new schooling system while my family faced increased financial challenges.
Despite these obstacles, I overcame many barriers persevered over three years and initial rejection, and gained a place at the University of Plymouth. Staying motivated by my desire to study medicine kept me focused during this three-year journey. However, the financial strain was a significant challenge. Suddenly I had bills to pay and a large portion of my student funding going directly to rent. I felt uncomfortable asking my father for help, knowing the difficulties my family faced. I don’t want him to feel burdened by additional work, leaving my mother and sister to go without.
These financial challenges have affected my mental health and made it difficult to concentrate on my studies. I found myself working longer hours in my part-time job and attending university less frequently, leaving me exhausted and struggling to focus on my university work.
Receiving the James Johnston Bursary relieved some of the financial pressure I felt, allowing me to focus on my medical studies and prioritise my education; I have worked hard to get here.
Donors like you make a significant difference in someone’s life, even though you may never meet those you help. In my opinion, this act of generosity is one of the most beautiful things a person can do. Even if you don’t see it directly, you have made a huge difference in my life. I hope to one day repay the help I’ve received by supporting more students in the future.
Once I graduate, I hope to spend some time practicing medicine in England before potentially moving back to Pakistan or to other countries where there is a real need.
Student spotlight: Building confidence and careers
Elena’s success through the Tamar Engineering Project
Elena is a mature student who has taken the leap from arts to engineering. Currently studying a BEng Mechanical Engineering she has found her academic trajectory reshaped by her involvement in the Tamar Engineering Project.
This initiative reshaped her academic path and opened doors to a rewarding career in environmental engineering.
The Tamar Engineering Project’s financial support has been a game-changer for Elena. With money worries alleviated, she has been able to devote herself entirely to her studies and fully immerse herself in university life.
The past year has been a really big year for me personally. I have been working part time for Fishtek as a Trainee Engineer which has involved working on some brilliant environmental projects and has increased my engineering skills hugely. I’ve benefitted by working closely alongside my mentor to gain work experience and I have met a number of other engineers who have been keen to support me on my journey.
I’m delighted to have passed all my Stage 1 modules with first-class results. I’ve been involved with extracurricular activities including volunteering as co-chair of the Student EDI Committee for the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. I have visited schools with Next Steps South West to share my story about coming to university, assisting at workshops for writing personal statements and helping to engage the next generation of new engineers.
The TEP has given me lots of confidence in applying for opportunities and focusing on enhancing my skills alongside my degree. This includes being selected as 1 of 38 people to receive a prestigious Engineering Leaders Scholarship from the Royal Academy of Engineering which is helping me to discover ways to encourage women and people with disabilities to consider a career in engineering The financial support has helped me to focus on my studies, and the connections through the mentorship has enabled me to get a secure part-time job and additional industry contacts too.
Legacy in action: Supporting future midwives
The Susie and Di Midwifery Fund: A legacy of compassion
The Susie and Di Midwifery Fund, created from a gift in the will of two dedicated members of the Soroptimist International Plymouth & District, has had a profound impact on ensuring local midwifery students thrive at the University of Plymouth.
This legacy is now inspiring three midwifery students, allowing them to pursue their education and bring new life into the world, a fitting tribute to the caring
spirit of Susie and Di.
spirit of Susie and Di.
With the kindness of this legacy, these students have felt emotionally and financially supported in their first year, able to purchase equipment like tablets to aid their academic work and reduce the financial burden of childcare while studying, so that they can pursue their ambitions of becoming midwives and supporting their local communities.
A massive thank you for contributing and supporting my studies that will determine the rest of my life. It makes a big difference for those who perhaps cannot work or need extra financial support to follow their career goals and ultimately help grow the NHS with more midwives.
Georgia
Thank you so much for making it possible for me to study with a little less financial burden. Balancing my studies with family commitments has been tough, but the privilege of supporting women during their pregnancies has made it all worthwhile.
Fiona
This remarkable legacy is helping future midwives achieve their dreams while ensuring they can focus on their studies and provide exceptional care to mothers and babies. Through this fund, the compassion and dedication of Susie and Di live on, touching lives and making a meaningful difference in the community.
Sarah
Research highlight: Fighting drug-resistant lung infections for Cystic Fibrosis patients
Funding to help shed light on drug-resistant lung infections
Sean is looking at Mycobacterium abscessus and species of other bacterial groups called Cupriavidus, Ralstonia and Pandoraea, which are all heavily drug resistant. While thankfully rare, they can have a significant impact on people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.
Sean’s research is a testament to the critical impact of the support we receive from trusts and foundations like the Boomer Esiason Foundation, particularly in advancing the understanding of drug-resistant infections and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by CF.
Funding PhD students like Sean is a crucial investment in the future of research.
By supporting these early career researchers, we empower them to explore new ideas, challenge existing knowledge, and contribute to practical solutions for real-world issues.
This research wouldn’t happen without this sort of support so we’re beyond grateful to the Boomer Esiason Foundation for their backing.
Supporting care leavers: Creating opportunities for equal experiences
Empowered by the Plymouth Fund and Charitable trusts
One care leaver student, shared how this assistance has transformed their university experience:
“I’d like to thank those who donated, as it meant that I was able to enjoy my university experience and have a bit more money so I could buy my favourite foods and some books. It also meant that I did not have to worry about not having enough money to live on.
I think it’s a wonderful thing, as I am normally very good at budgeting, but being in a cost-of-living crisis as well as being a care leaver has put not only me, but so many other students from disadvantaged backgrounds in a situation where they might not be able to afford university and the costs that come with living independently. By having this award, I feel as though my experience is like my peers who come from more privileged backgrounds and I also feel equal to them.”
This heartfelt testimony highlights the unique challenges faced by care leavers, where the cost of study materials, field trips and projects can create financial stress. The Plymouth Fund and Audrey Pipe Foundation are bridging this gap, ensuring these students can fully engage with their studies and flourish in their chosen fields
With help from the Plymouth Fund, we can also support students who are estranged from their families, young adult carers, and members of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities to be empowered to succeed and thrive in higher education. These students often face overwhelming financial and emotional challenges, difficulty balancing other responsibilities including caregiving duties alongside academic work, and encounter systemic barriers to accessing higher education. With your support, we can provide financial assistance and guidance so that they can engage with a community that champions their potential, helps them prioritise academic responsibilities and
reduce financial worries.
reduce financial worries.
Your donations provide more than financial relief–it gives these students a sense of inclusion, belonging and confidence in their journey toward a brighter future.
Voices of appreciation
Supporting students financially has a positive impact that extends beyond academics. Easing the financial burden improves mental health and allows students to focus fully on their studies.
Gifty
Bursaries can be the deciding factor in whether a student can attend university. For those considering donating, please know it truly changes lives.
Reece
Thanks to the bursary, I could join social activities and make friends, rather than staying isolated. It allowed me to fully experience the start of university life.
Zohra
Your generous contributions truly help these students and play a vital role in supporting research initiatives that strive to create a brighter, more equitable world. Thank you for believing in the transformative power of education and for the incredible impact of your kindness. Your support means so much and inspires hope for a better future.