"I made the difficult decision to postpone my studies and enter full time employment so that I could cover all the bills, including the mortgage, food, and energy bills. It was an incredibly difficult time for me and my family. I was desperate to pursue my university education, but couldn’t see how I would be able to do it without giving up full-time work, which was not an option.

In 2012, aged 22, I decided to take the plunge and start my studies at Canterbury Christ Church University - Broadstairs Campus, pursuing a BSc Hons in Business Management, studying full time, whilst working full time hours. The pressure was immense, but CCCU were incredibly supportive to me, and thankfully I was further supported with a bursary and grant, which helped to ease the pressure.

All of my lecturers were understanding and supportive and it helped to make my university experience a very positive one.

I graduated in 2015 with a First Class Honours in Business Management and went straight into employment with the NHS. My graduation was one of the proudest and happiest days of my life because not long ago, this only seemed like a dream to me.

CCCU will always have a special place in my heart.

I am launching this fund to hopefully help other students who are going through similar challenges, as I would hope that life challenges do not stop them from achieving their potential. My advice would be to never lose hope, don’t be ashamed - talk openly about issues you are facing as someone might be able to help. Focus on the end goal and focus on getting through things one day at a time.

My hope is that by setting up the Adem Ozyurt Hardship Fund, I might inspire other CCCU alumni to do something similar, if they are in the position to do so."

If, like Adem, you are interested in supporting our students through a hardship award or scholarship, please contact the Futures Team on futures@canterbury.ac.uk