Laura Nuttall Scholarship
The School of Social Sciences are proud to offer the Laura Nuttall Scholarship, named in memory of our Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) graduate, Laura Nuttall.
After being diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2018 at the age of 18 and given 12 months to live, Laura dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for brain tumour and cancer charities.
Laura was dedicated to helping others who face barriers in education. With the collaboration and support of Laura’s family, the School of Social Sciences will award one scholarship of £3,000 per year for every year of the student's degree.
What sort of legacy will I leave if I just focus on myself and not others?
Laura Nuttall / Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) graduate
Eligibility
There is no application process and students who may be eligible need not take any action. All students who meet the below criteria will automatically be considered.
The student who is selected to receive the bursary will be informed of this during their first semester of study.
- DASS-registered and a diagnosis of (one or more of) a physical condition, long term illness or learning difference, such as:
- A learning difference (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, or AD(H)D);
- A visual impairment uncorrected by glasses (e.g. blindness or partial sight);
- A hearing impairment (e.g. D/deafness or partial hearing);
- A physical impairment or challenges with mobility (e.g. climbing stairs or uneven surfaces), or dexterity (e.g. using a keyboard or laboratory equipment);
- A social, behavioural or communication impairment (e.g. an autistic spectrum condition or Tourette’s Syndrome);
- A long-term illness or health condition which may involve pain or cause fatigue, loss of concentration or breathing difficulties – including any effects from taking associated medication.
- Undertaking their first undergraduate degree;
- Enrolled on of the undergraduate programmes run by the School of Social Sciences;
- Assessed for fee status as a 'home' student;
- Classed as having WP (+/++) status.
When there is significant demand, preference will be given to those who are care experienced/care leavers.
To me, this award is about more than financial support. It serves as a reminder of Laura Nuttall's story, an individual who I can only hope to be more like. Staying positive in the face of adversity is a trait I deeply admire in Laura, and her resilience showed me the importance of committing to a decision and following it through, regardless of the challenges.
Receiving this scholarship showed me how much support is available to students and gave me the confidence to make the decision to change course and pursue the future I wanted for myself. Although the scholarship was not ultimately used to support my Economics degree, it helped me in an even more valuable way by giving me the confidence to make that change.
Nicola's support during Laura's adversity also reminded me to appreciate the loved ones who have supported me throughout my own life. I am incredibly grateful to the University, the donors, and most of all to Laura for inspiring me. It is a lesson I will carry with me into my Mathematics degree and long after I graduate.
Rocco Corfield / Scholarship recipient
To find out more about Laura’s legacy and her family’s ongoing work, visit ‘The Be More Laura Foundation’ website.
Please contact soss.socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk with any queries.