Crowdfunding campaign raises £16,000 to fund aspiring NHS physiotherapist’s studies

'These funds are allowing me to be a student for the first time'

Michael Olorode, 21, often finishes shifts at 8am before going to lectures at 9am

An aspiring NHS physiotherapist who sometimes slept just one hour a night in order to fund his education spoke of his joy and gratitude after a crowdfunding campaign, launched by a total stranger, raised more than £16,000 in a week to help him.

Michael Olorode, a 21-year-old biomedical science student at Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University who found himself ineligible for a student loan, works 38 hours each week in night shifts at Sainsbury’s to support himself during his studies.

He often finishes shifts at 8am before going to lectures at 9am.

Impressed with Michael’s “resilience and dedication”, blogger Lateef Saka decided to set up a GoFundMe page with the intention of easing Michael’s financial burden.

“He’s a really lovely, optimistic guy and I’m very hopeful and happy that he will get closer to achieving his dream and seeing his hard work recognised," Lateef said.

“I didn’t think it would reach the amount that it did, but I thought even £1,000 would have been a helping hand in some way."

Since the page went live on 27 November, donations from others touched by Michael’s story have flooded in, with GoFundMe itself donating £1,000 to the campaign.

"These funds are allowing me to be a student for the first time. I don’t have to work full time hours alongside my full time degree, I can finally devote the time that I need to towards my education,” Mr Olorode told The Independent.

“This outpouring of support I have received has been extremely overwhelming, I never anticipated such a warm reaction from people.

"I feel there is now a large network of people rooting for my success, and the financial contributions that they have made reiterate their desire to support me and help me to do my best."

Originally from Nigeria, Mr Olorode grew up in Croydon in south London after moving to the UK at the age of seven.

Despite making his application for settled British residential status when he was 13, the Home Office did not approve Mr Olorode until he was in sixth form, which was too late for him to qualify for student finance.

As a result, Mr Olorode, who is now in his fourth year, had to fund his own living costs that amount to roughly £1,000 each month.

His parents, who work in market research, pay Michael’s £7,000 annual tuition fees but have reportedly taken out a loan and picked up extra hours at work.

Michael voiced his concern over the toll this takes on his parents, who also have two younger children.

"They are as overwhelmed by the campaign and are touched by the support I’ve received," he said.

He stressed that the Home Office's slow decision had put him in a situation that, in certain cases, "could split up a family".

"It puts a burden on the parents they never expected to have to carry for their child," he said.

Lateef believes the response “really shows how powerful the internet is”. As well as monetary donations, NHS staff have reached out to offer Michael advice on how to best reach exactly where he wants to work within the NHS.

Michael is keen to pursue a Master’s degree once he graduates, but since the campaign, NHS staff have reportedly advised him that getting hands-on experience could be more beneficial for his job prospects.

Lateef says the campaign has also encouraged those who have found themselves in similar positions to reach out. “Michael isn’t the first and he isn’t going to be the last,” he mused.

Others simply expressed their admiration. One donor said: “I am so glad someone started this funding. I found your story very moving. What a special person you are.”

Michael said he found the words of support very uplifting and that he cherished the sincerity of the messages he received.

"Some people, particularly students, expressed a lot of admiration for me and said they were inspired to do better. I’m very proud that my actions might inspire change and that I can be a role model to others, especially those younger than me.

He hopes that the publicity he has garnered will prompt a larger debate about those who find themselves in a similar position.

“There needs to be a conversation about this. Even though the Home Office are doing their job, each situation they deal with affects a life."

The Home Office has been approached for a response but said they do not routinely comment on individual cases.