In October 2019 Hollie was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in the right-hand side of her pelvis; she had just completed her GCSEs and was enjoying the first two months of life at Sixth Form. Hollie endured 7 months of intense treatment, which meant that she could no longer continue with her studies and therefore had to re-start Y12 the following year. During this interview, Hollie tells us how her own treatment has inspired her chosen career path.

Can you tell us a bit about your time at school?

I have worked hard in my academic studies, achieving four As in my AS Levels and being predicted two A*s and one A in my A Levels. I have always strived to perform to the best of my ability and this effort was recognised through my appointment of Head Girl and receiving various annual awards for high performance in a variety of subjects. Additionally, I have enjoyed representing my school at public speaking events and celebrations.

Returning to sixth-form and having to join a new year group nearly a year after my diagnosis required a great deal of perseverance and resilience, however I was determined to continue my academic studies and found that I had a new found ambition to succeed.

Can you give an example of how you’ve used the Aldridge Attributes?

Once I became unable to represent my school and borough in netball due to my illness, I demonstrated determination and passion for the sport by volunteering as a coach for my club, helping to inspire the next generation of athletes to realise their potential.

How will the Next Steps Bursary help make a difference to you?

I come from a low-income, single-parent household and due to my recent cancer treatment now have moderate mobility issues and require a cane to walk any substantial distance. Unfortunately, this means that I am unable to make an income typical of students, through bar work or waitressing etc. The Next Steps Bursary will provide financial support that will be essential in helping me to access the same opportunities and experiences as other students in my cohort, for example laboratory work experience opportunities that require payment in order to be accessed in order to cover insurance and equipment costs. As my chosen field of study is neuroscience, being able to develop and advance my skills in the lab will have a huge impact in helping me stand out when applying for work placements and post-graduate degrees.  

What are your future aspirations?

In the future I aspire to complete a PhD in neuropharmacology, which will enable me to pursue a career in drug development and the administrative systems that are used to give patients these drugs. I would specifically like to focus my research into methods of administrating chemotherapy with the aim of providing a kinder and more effective method of delivering this treatment to cancer patients. Whilst my interest with the nervous system and its complexities developed prior to my illness, being surrounded my such inspiring and brave patients daily whilst undergoing my own treatment provided me with a drive and determination to help these individuals overcome their illnesses and achieve their goals.

What are you most proud of?

Some significant achievements that I am proud of include: my work with Young Lives VS Cancer to promote awareness of PTSD in childhood cancer patients such as my ‘Instagram takeover’ and my interview on Channel 5 news; my acceptance into the Talent Tap scheme, which provides relevant work experience to promising individuals to help further their education and career opportunities; my appointment as Head Girl, allowing me to represent my school at various fundraising and charity events; and achieving my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

How will you use your own experiences to support the next generation?

I wish to continue my voluntary work in aiding children who come from deprived communities, such as my own, enabling them to not only have but achieve aspirations of their own, no matter the discipline. I hope to one day create a mentoring programme that will help young girls, from deprived backgrounds, pursue a career in the sciences and help them realise the diversity of careers available to them.