“I’m about to start the 3rd and final year of my Social Work degree, I can’t believe just how the time has flown by. Thank you so much for the support you have given, and I can’t tell you how much the bursary has helped me over the last two years, and will continue to do so in my last year. I am so very thankful and grateful to you and everyone involved within the foundation.

The last two years have been hard after being out of education for over 25 years, and with single parenthood and young children, but I would not have changed it for the world. My eldest daughter who is 14, sees me work hard, struggle with essays, work late, but then also sees me handing my work in always on time, and even in most cases early.

She says I inspire her, and that I am the most determined person she knows. Bless her. But I see how me being at uni has reflected on her too. She in turn, works very hard on her school work, is determined, focused, and it is paying off for her too. She was offered a place to do triple science, her Art work from last year was credited as the best of the year and has since been used as an example for the year below her. She is in the top set of English and History. I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming, and part of that is down to you and the foundation for helping me achieve my dreams, and in turn inspiring her to go after hers.

Even my two youngest daughters 5 & 6 now, are so eager to learn, their favourite part of the evening is reading the school reading books. My son is so proud of me, and it’s given him the confidence and belief in himself to try something new, and is thriving in his new job and is so happy.

I just wanted you to know that it is not just the awardees that you help, support and inspire, but their children too. Bless you, for that I will not be able to ever thank you enough”.

Jo went onto study a Masters in Pyschology and graduated with a 1st Class MSc, she was also awarded a prize for the best dissertation.

Jo now works as a Social Worker and continues to champion the Foundation.