A legacy of opportunity
Alumna Audrey Long (BSc 1987) remembers her Cardiff days with immense fondness and credits much of her success since graduating to the support she received from peers and lecturers during her degree.
Because of this, she is choosing to support future Cardiff University students in her Will so that others will have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the face of obstacles, just as she did.
“When my brother became ill with testicular cancer, I wanted to study Biochemistry to use whatever scientific ability I had to help effect a treatment. Few universities offered Biochemistry at the time, but I wanted to be part of a cure, so I came to Cardiff, to University College, Cardiff as it was called then.”
“During my degree, I was in a motorcycle accident, and was in hospital for months.
“Two of my classmates took turns to bring me the latest notes and make sure I was caught up. The lecturers were fantastic and made sure I had what I needed to graduate. Even for the practical part of my course, my supervisor enlisted other students to look after me, making sure that my crutches wouldn’t hinder me!
“On top of all this, my mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s no way I would have graduated without the extra support I received from friends and academics.
“Thanks to my degree and this support, years later I was part of the development of a substance used to detect cancers. So now people don’t have to suffer like my brother did and will survive long past detection and diagnosis.
“Nowadays, it’s the financial support that seems much harder to access than when I was studying. I want the gift in my Will to support students who find the cost of university too much. All the expenses add up – fees, books, food, accommodation – but if someone has the drive then it’s vital they have the opportunity to see where it takes them.”
“Cardiff is very special to me. I was given all the help I needed to graduate, now I want to be part of providing that support to someone else.”
Supporting students at Cardiff
Find out more about supporting Cardiff University students or research with a gift in your Will.
