Last year I retired from 12 years of childminding to go back to school, and in September 2016 I began my journey into midwifery with an Access to Midwifery Diploma at Bedford College. With the most amazing support from friends and family I was able to pass my diploma with 45 distinctions, something that I'm immensely proud of. This is a year I will never forget.

During the year I was elected student representative, and helped out at open days to talk about Access courses to prospective students. I also attended selection days for Bedfordshire and Northampton universities, and managed to secure offers from both of them. Bedfordshire was my preferred university (so that I could practice locally) so that was my firm choice, with Northampton as a back up.

Midwifery degrees are not like normal degrees, we don't have regular holidays (only 6 weeks a year) and we don't get a long summer break. There is so much to learn in 3 years! After the first month of being at uni every day I will be attending university two days a week, and then three shifts in practice, so I won't be able to work alongside the degree and have to rely on loans. Especially as now there is no bursary for nurses or midwives training in the NHS. *shakes fist at the government*

So to this end I'm asking for your help, to help make my career goals a reality. Funds raised will help with travel expenses, books, educational models for practical exams and general living expenses, every pound counts. Thank you!