Dreams don’t give up – and with your help, neither will I.

Every Pound would really mean a lot to me.

Total goal: £65,000 to cover arrears and the rest of this year’s tuition as an international/BNO student.

All funds go directly to the University of Aberdeen; I’ll upload receipts for every payment.

My family & where I come from

Hi, I’m Tajima, born and raised in Hong Kong to a Japanese–Chinese family. My father is elderly with chronic health problems (including diabetes). We sold our home to fund his treatment; he later lost his job and was unemployed for over two years. My mum worked multiple jobs to support my brother and me while caring for my dad. Everything I’ve achieved rests on their sacrifice.

Why I chose medicine

I had a choledochal cyst as a baby and underwent major surgery at age 1 in Hong Kong, using a then-new minimally invasive technique. It gave me a normal life, but I still carry a lifelong cancer risk. Instead of living in fear, that experience drew me to medicine and to oncology, where I hope to help develop effective, affordable cancer treatments so no family has to choose between care and financial ruin.

What I’ve done so far

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences – University of Dundee (focus on stem cells & cancer).

Centre of Cancer Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital (Hong Kong): I worked with patients on complex treatment journeys through Clinical Trials.

One moment I can’t forget: a mother working on her laptop in the clinic waiting room between consultations and chemotherapy to keep supporting her children. Her resilience reminded me of my parents’ tireless efforts—and why I want to serve with compassion.

Why I need help now

I’m a medical student at the University of Aberdeen (MBChB). As an international/BNO student, I’m not eligible for UK student loans. I’ve applied widely for hardship funds and scholarships, but most exclude international students or can’t meet the deadline. Credit Control has confirmed that if I pay £7,500 by 10 October (50% of last year’s arrears) and agree a plan for the remainder, I can register this year.

How your donation will be used (breakdown)

£7,500 (by 10 Oct) – immediate payment to unlock registration (50% of last year’s £15,000 arrears).

£7,500 – remaining arrears (paid by instalments once registered).

£50,000 – the rest of this year’s tuition.

Receipts will be uploaded; any funds beyond need will be used only for tuition/fees or refunded on request.

Looking ahead

For next year’s tuition, I will be applying to Hong Kong–based scholarships that can cover around £30,000. I’ll share updates on those applications here as they progress.

My commitment

I’m on the BN(O) route, hoping to settle in the UK, serve in the NHS, and continue work in cancer care and research. I will push for scholarships, keep my grades strong, and share transparent updates here. In future, I will pay this forward to help students facing similar barriers.

If you can, please donate and share this page with someone who might help. Every donation brings me closer to staying in medicine and serving patients and families like the ones who inspired me.

With gratitude,

Tajima