Hope Murray | Student Funding

Forces Children Scotland helps Hope to purchase a video magnifier to complete her studies, having experienced sudden sight loss.

Hope has shared her story to encourage more students, from serving, reservist and veteran families to think about Forces Children Scotland, when it comes to providing a little extra financial support whilst at university or college.

Students apply for support from Forces Children Scotland for many different reasons, and Hope tells us how she found out about the fund and shares her reasons for submitting an application.

“I found out about Forces Children’s Scotland’s University & College Fund through participation on the working group for the charity’s Your Mind Matters Project and having a discussion with the team.

“I was stuck in limbo trying to complete coursework whilst facing challenges and frustrations of sight loss without vital equipment. You take reading your mail for granted until it is something you are no longer able to do independently.

“I found myself in financial hardship due to personal circumstances and faced a considerable barrier to receiving financial support, having already reached a funding cap before I experienced sudden sight loss.”

Having completed our online application form, Hope recalls the moment she received an email from Forces Children Scotland about her request.

“I cried happy tears when I read the email awarding me a grant to purchase a video magnifier. Having experienced significant vision loss, I was struggling to access printed materials for my Masters Degree, so having my video magnifier means I can access printed materials again“.

We asked Hope what she would say to other students from serving, reservist and veteran family backgrounds, who need a little extra financial help to complete their studies, who said.

“My advice to my fellow students from serving, reservist or veteran families is to not be ashamed or discouraged from applying for financial support as there is support out there to ensure that we can all achieve our full potential.”

Learn more about Forces Children Scotland’s University and College Fund.