Kate, who graduated this November, applied for the Heller bursary to help cover the costs of her travel, competition and membership fees. She was awarded the bursary by philanthropists Sir Michael and Lady Morven Heller, who set up the initiative to offer second year undergraduate students the chance to learn something new, yet unrelated to their course of study.

Since being awarded the bursary, Kate has competed in the British Rowing Championships, The Henley Women's Regatta, The Head of The River and the Nottingham Autumn Head. Kate has also attended the first assessment of the Team GB Olympic trials.

Kate would like to thank Sir Michael and Lady Morven Heller for their generous donation which has enabled her to take her hobby further than she could have imagined. However she remains quietly confident about her chances of making the team. Kate said: "Being a part of Team GB and competing in the Olympics would be the dream. At the minute, I'm just working as hard as I can and taking it one step at a time."

The 2017 Sir Michael and Morven Heller bursary is now open to all second year undergraduate students, who could get up to £2,000 to help them pursue something for which they have a real passion for.

Find out more about how you can help students realise their potential here. Donations to the Hallam Fund help students like Kate access the best opportunities.