Former HKF winner Kirsty Young, a mum of four children from Bridlington stepped out to raise £500 towards a bursary in April. She walked for two hours every evening for 50 consecutive days.
Having received a bursary in 2011 herself, Kirsty realised what a difference the bursaries make. She decided to help others by trying to smash her target of £500 to part-fund another deserving student. Kirsty has now raised enough funds to help support an FE student who is undertaking higher education from September 2021.
Kirsty attended East Riding college and went onto to study at Hull University, She currently works as a Learning Advisor and will be undertaking a PGCE this year.
“HKF is such an important charity had it not been for their support I simply couldn’t have afforded university because of costs such as childcare, travel and equipment as a single parent. This support now means my children are no longer in poverty because I was able to progress with career through gaining a degree” said Kirsty.
The Helena Kennedy Foundation, a social mobility charity established in 1998 provides financial and pastoral support to Further Education students who face social barriers to Higher Education. The charity has supported 2000 since its inception over 20 years ago.
Director of Operations, Shahida Aslam said “I am delighted Kirsty’s determination has raised a bursary for the charity. There has never been a more important time to support those who already face barriers to develop their aspirations”.
Kirsty has also been shortlisted for the Festival of Learning Awards 2021. The winners will be announced at an online ceremony on 6th July 2021.
