It is no secret that the BPTC now costs up to £20,000! An extortionate amount of money that many students who dream of becoming a barrister, do not have lying around.  

The amount of money my family and I didn't have.

I worked 50hrs and more a week as a Health Care Worker - so a lot of 12hr shifts, to try and save this money. It wasn't enough. Not even close. I opted to complete the LLM BPTC, which meant that I was able to receive £10k from Student Finance. This helped. 

Next, was renting in London. Tried to work as a Health Care Worker, completed a refresher training course costing £114, the agency didn't give me shifts, called and spoke and cried to the agency several times asking for shifts but nothing. I was given no shifts. Stressed about making my rent, I started applying for jobs again. 

But September came round quick, I started the BPTC. Attended my first QS, found out Middle Temple hired 'casuals' (waiting staff) and worked whilst undertaking the BPTC full time. It was hard. 

I wish I had applied for a Middle Temple scholarship. I wish I understood clearly how Middle Temple awards scholarships. 

Middle Temple award scholarships based on merit, financial circumstances come second. 

Please help me support people from all backgrounds who aspire to become a barrister, become a barrister. 

This is my first ever marathon. I’ve done a couple of 5k park runs... so this will definitely be a challenge. Follow me on Twitter @Merlene_George to see my training progress