LAURA McKoy, an outstanding law student whose family home is in Braintree, is among the young people who have been given a grant by the Belinda Starling Fund.
Laura was not from a privileged background and was the first in her family to attend university. Having achieved her degree, Laura set her sights on very specialised areas of law.
The grant from the Belinda Starling Fund meant that Laura was able to go to the University of Melbourne, Australia, to undertake coursework for her Masters degree in law. The modules included Islamic law, international human rights, alternative dispute resolution, international migration law and international criminal law.
Laura, 23, who recently moved to London, said: "I am currently finishing my final professional exams to become a solicitor and I will start work with a large City law firm in September 2013.
"The law firm that I will be joining has a large focus on charity law, as well as family law and private clients.
"I have also been elected as a trustee for the children's charity Potential Plus UK. It provides support for children who have high learning potential. I got involved with them years ago to help children who are bright but from deprived backgrounds.
"Without the support of ECF and the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund I would not have the future ahead of me that I had always dreamed about. It has propelled me into a career that I love. ECF and the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund give you so much more than financial support, they make you part of a family who care about you."
The other young people who have received grants from the Belinda Starling Fund are Paul Johnson, from Maldon, a talented organist, to make his musical studies possible, Jessica Rhodes, from Billericay, to help cover the costs of piano and drama tuition, and Natalie Lester from Aveley, to attend a drama studio in London and help achieve her acting career.
Two grants have been given to the London Bus Theatre Company to increase the skills of young people, particularly boys, at risk of offending.
To make a donation to The Belinda Starling Fund or to apply for a grant, contact Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or visit www.essexcommunity foundation.org.uk
