Winners of the CHSA’s 2023 Undergraduate Bursary revealed

Four talented young people are celebrating. Following a panel interview Eesa Ali, Amelia Fullwood, Lily-Mae Thomas and Felicity Whelligan-Woodworth have been selected as the recipients of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s (CHSA) Undergraduate Bursary.

This year, the Bursary, which is open to the children of CHSA members’ employees, was bigger than ever. The number of recipients was increased from three to four, and the bursary itself was increased by 33 per cent to £6,000 over the course of their university career. It will be paid in three installments, £2,000 being paid at the start of each academic year or the first three years if the degree is longer. With the growing financial pressures faced by young people going to university, it is no surprise 14 young people applied in 2023, more than ever before.

Eesa Ali is to study Arabic and Economics at SOAS University of London. His father works for Transcontinental Marketing. Amelia Fullwood is to study music at Bangor University. Her mother works for Greenham National Safety Supplies. Lily-Mae Thomas is going to study Environmental Conservation, also at Bangor University. Her father works for Arco. Felicity Whelligan-Woodworth plans to study Law at the University of York. Her father works for Wray Brothers.

The bursary, in its present form, was first awarded in 2016. These four talented recipients from 2023 join the 17 others who have benefited from this financial support.

Applicants were assessed by a Judging Panel, led by CHSA Vice President and Treasurer David Garcia, according to need, worthiness, endeavour, and overall performance.

David Garcia, the driving force behind the CHSA Bursary, said: “Offering crucial financial support to the children of our members’ employees is an important way we can give something back. 
 
“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to meet the talented young people and hear about their hard work and aspirations for the future. They are always impressive and this year was no exception. All the applicants should feel proud of themselves and their achievements. I wish we could award the bursary to them all but with 14 applicants for four places, that was not possible. 
 
“We wish the final four, and indeed all the applicants, every success at university and in their future careers.”