As a second generation asian immigrant growing up in inner city London I had many challenges fo face. Islamophobia, racism, poor schools. Spending my afternoons helping my mum navigate the benefits line was also a challenge - especially as a child. My father had walked out on us earlier than I can really remember, meaning I had noone pushing me to get an education. After skipping school my teachers had written me off, suggesting I would never get into university. After all, kids like me didn't go to university.

Today I am delighted to have proven them wrong. I have managed to get into university, and not just any university. I have a place at Cambridge - one of the best universities in the world. But sadly I cannot go. One year would set me back £23,000 - Cambridge is not a cheap place - not only do you have the normal tuition fees, much cited on the news but Cambridge's collegiate system means an even greater expense, far exceeding that of other universities in the UK. Considering the debt I already have, a commercial loan or student loan would cripple me. This is partly why people with my background just don't go to university - let alone dream of Oxbridge.

Therefore I am asking for £20,000 (I have already saved £3,000 throughout my life) to allow me to live my dream. There are many challenges kids like me growing up in deprivation have which stop them from going to Oxbridge - please don't let money be one of them.

For a donation of over £400 I would, while there, give you a tour of Cambridge and all its 31 constituent colleges as well as lunch or dinner at one of the hallowed college dining rooms. For a donation of £100 I would give you one of either a tour or lunch/dinner. Donations below £100 would get my complete gratitude as well as updates on how I am coping as one of the few comprehensive school (state school and not grammar or academy) students in Cambridge