In November 2022, during my fourth year studying dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire — after previously completing a degree in Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Leeds University — I began to feel unwell. After undergoing tests and biopsies, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

In early December, I had surgery to remove my thyroid and 33 lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. This was followed by radioactive iodine treatment in March. Despite everything, I managed to take only four weeks off from university and used my recovery time to focus on my studies — a decision that paid off when I ranked 3rd in my exams that year.

However, my treatment — particularly the radioactive iodine phase — meant I couldn’t work, and I soon found myself in financial difficulty. A fellow student from Leeds who had previously received help from the BDA Benevolent Fund recommended that I reach out to them.

The application process was simple and transparent. I submitted everything online, including the necessary bank statements. Communication was excellent — I was invited to a call to discuss my application further. Laura explained the process clearly, showed genuine empathy, and within a couple of weeks, I had received a grant to help cover my rent. The relief was enormous. At such a difficult time, having that financial stress lifted made a big difference.

Laura also told me about additional support available through the Fund’s website, including wellbeing resources — something I greatly appreciated.

I have since graduated and now work in Cumbria. If you are a dental student experiencing financial hardship, I wholeheartedly recommend contacting the BDA Benevolent Fund.