I would just like to let you know how the Hymers Bursary I received made such a massive difference to my life.I lived at home with just my Mother and Brother on the outskirts of Hull, near the border with Cottingham.Mother worked hard as a secretary in an insurance firm in Hull to bring us up as best she could, on her own.She managed to get my elder brother into Hymers and paid for him.When it was my turn, she couldn’t afford two lots of school fees on her wages, so applied for the bursary, which because of our circumstances, we got.I started in the Junior school in 1958 and went through until 5th form in 1965.(What a fabulous last year being in Alex Sutton’s first form in the school) I have to say I didn’t appreciate being there at the time, as I was a “Big” lad and took lots of stick, as I tried every trick in the book to avoid any kind of sport at every opportunity, which obviously didn’t go down well at a school so recognised for it sporting prowess! However, the education and life skills training I received carried me well into local & national business and also into my personal life.

I would not be in the fortunate position I am today, if it had not been for the Bursary we received and I am so pleased to still be in touch with the school’s alumni and also many of my peers from 55 years ago.

Long may it continue. 

Mark Birtles OH