A Whitehaven student who was inspired to train as a doctor after learning to live with a serious medical condition is this year’s recipient of a fully funded scholarship.
Jack Telford, who is in the first year of a medicine and surgery degree at the University of Central Lancashire, has received the Dr Kate Granger Scholarship, which will cover the full five years of his tuition fees.
The 20-year-old, who is based at the University’s Preston Campus, said: “I’ve wanted to study medicine from a young age due to my own medical conditions.
“When I was 12, I was playing rugby and collapsed midway through a game. I was rushed to hospital and had many doctors’ appointments, but they were all unsuccessful in diagnosing what had caused it.
“For 18 months it meant I wasn’t allowed to play any kinds of sport or do any form of exercise and that was so frustrating.
“Finally, I was diagnosed with exercise induced fainting so it was a relief to know what it was. Thankfully I was allowed to resume playing sport but had to manage my condition throughout.”
The scholarship is offered to applicants from Cumbria, particularly Copeland or Allerdale, who meet the university’s widening participation criteria and is jointly funded by the University and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
It covers all tuition fees for the duration of the five-year degree programme and all costs associated with clinical placements.
Jack, a former Keswick School pupil, added: “When I found out I’d received the scholarship, I was in disbelief and was completely shocked. This scholarship means that I don’t have to stress about a large debt waiting for me when graduate.”
