Hi, my name is Michelle, and I am currently studying an MSc in Cancer Studies.

I have created this GoFund Me because I am facing an urgent situation with my university tuition fees. I have an outstanding balance of £2,400 including late fees which I have been told must be paid by ideally 20th February in order for me to remain enrolled on my course. If I am unable to pay this amount, I risk having to leave my degree for financial reasons alone.

I have tried everything I can to resolve this independently. I contacted my university to ask whether any alternative arrangements could be made, reached out to the hardship fund, and explored every option available to me. Unfortunately, I have been told that the university is unable to offer flexibility or revised payment plans at this stage, and the hardship fund does not cover tuition fees. I have now received a final demand letter, which has left me with very limited time and no options.

Alongside my studies, I work full time. Balancing a master’s degree while working and commuting for around five hours a day has not been easy, but it is something I committed to because this course genuinely matters to me. Despite working, my income is simply not enough to cover this amount and essential living and travel costs. I am also unable to rely on family support, as they are experiencing financial hardship themselves due to illness.

Creating this fundraiser is honestly the last thing I wanted to do. I know there are so many people facing incredibly serious, life threatening situations, and it has taken a lot for me to ask for help in this way. However, after exhausting every other option, this feels like my final chance to try and stay on my course and achieve my dreams.

I chose to study cancer studies because I want to contribute to research and work that improves treatments and outcomes for patients, and to further save lives whilst eradicating this awful disease. Being forced to step away from my studies at this point, after everything it has taken to get here, would be devastating.

Any contribution, would go directly towards my tuition fees and helping me remain on my course. Even sharing this page would mean more than I can express in words.

If you have taken the time to donate, share this page, or even read my story, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness truly means the world to me. I am so grateful for every act of support in any form, and I pray that God blesses you and your loved ones abundantly.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.