Thanks to Kidderminster Medical Society
from

Macaulay Rose

Dear all at Kidderminster Medical Society,

I am writing to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the Kidderminster Medical Society for awarding me the generous grant that supported me throughout this academic year. Your contribution has played a vital role in helping me succeed during what has been one of the most demanding and academically challenging years of my life.

The grant I received from your society helped ease the financial burden that often comes with studying medicine. It allowed me to focus fully on my studies, clinical responsibilities, and personal development without the constant pressure of financial strain. This peace of mind proved invaluable and gave me the freedom to engage more deeply with the curriculum and fully immerse myself in both lectures and placements.

Your support enabled me to purchase key textbooks and clinical tools that are fundamental to learning and practising medicine effectively. I was also able to afford necessary travel costs for clinical placements, some of which were located far from home. Being able to attend every placement fully prepared and without financial worry meant I could make the most of these learning opportunities and develop important clinical skills with confidence and focus.

Additionally, this grant provided me with the flexibility to participate in academic workshops, revision courses, and other extracurricular opportunities that have significantly enriched my experience. These experiences not only enhanced my knowledge but also helped shape my understanding of the responsibilities, values, and professional conduct expected of a future doctor.

More than just financial support, receiving this grant served as a source of encouragement. Knowing that an esteemed organisation like the Kidderminster Medical Society believes in my potential as a future doctor meant a great deal to me. It reminded me that the medical profession is not only about individual effort but also about collective support, community, and the passing down of knowledge and opportunity to the next generation.

I am proud to say that, with your help, I have successfully completed this academic year with strong results and a renewed sense of purpose. I feel more confident in my abilities and more inspired than ever to continue working hard and contributing meaningfully to the medical profession.

I will always remain grateful for your investment in my education and my future. It is my sincere hope that one day I will be in a position to support and uplift aspiring medical students in the same way you have supported me.

Thank you once again for your generosity, trust, and belief in my journey.

Warm regards
Macaulay Rose.

Thank you From Swansea University Medical School

            From Brandon Caan        

Dear Martin,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the £3,000 grant I received during my second year of the Graduate Entry Medicine programme at Swansea University. This support has made a significant difference to both my academic progress and my personal wellbeing.

As you know, medical students often face considerable financial challenges. The cost of living and the demands of full-time study mean many students turn to part-time employment, which can impact their ability to focus fully on their training. The grant provided to me helped to ease this burden and allowed me to continue my studies with far less financial stress.

The funding was used to support several key areas:

• Living costs – reducing the burden of the ever-increasing cost of living.
• Reducing part-time job hours – allowing me to focus more on my studies.
• Car maintenance and travel – essential for clinical placements, which take place across Wales.
• Academic resources – including textbooks and online subscriptions to support my learning.

This financial security also enabled me to commit fully to an unpaid teaching role through Peer Assisted Learning Swansea (PALS). Alongside my partner, I delivered 20 lectures across the year, most lasting around two hours. For each session we created detailed PowerPoint slides, curating high-yield clinical content, exam-focused tips, and effective study techniques. Attendance grew from 15 students at the start of the year to around 60 students weekly by the end. The feedback was outstanding, and the experience was not only rewarding but also a powerful reinforcement of my own revision and knowledge base.

Beyond academics, the grant had a profound impact on my wellbeing. By easing financial stress and reducing the pressure of balancing study with part-time work, it significantly reduced the risk of burnout. This allowed me to approach my studies with renewed focus, maintain a healthier balance between work and rest, and engage more fully with both academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Having now completed my second year, I am pleased to share my academic averages:

• Year 1: 68.9%
• Year 2: 77.9%

These results reflect consistent progress and demonstrate how the grant has directly supported my ability to succeed academically.

I would be extremely grateful if you could pass on my thanks to all members of the bursary team who were involved in awarding me this grant. It has supported me in a variety of ways, both academically and personally, and I am truly appreciative.

Looking forward, as I begin my third year, I am eager to expand my development further. In addition to 11 months of clinical placement, I hope to become involved in a research project with the aim of publishing work that contributes to my portfolio. This will not only strengthen my academic skills but also make me a more competitive candidate for interviews as a future foundation doctor into speciality training programmes.

Finally, I would like to ask whether this grant, or any other you may be aware of, will also be accessible during my third year, which involves extended placements and therefore greater financial pressures.

Thank you once again for this invaluable support, and in particular to you, Martin, for your kind and helpful communication throughout.

Yours sincerely,

Brandon Caan

Graduate Entry Medicine, Year 3

Swansea University