Runners fundraising for scholarship students in Sunderland

Staff, students, and friends from the University of Sunderland will take part in the Sunderland City Runs on May 17, to raise money for the university’s Futures Fund, which provides scholarships and career development opportunities for students.

The 10km run will start outside City Hall and take participants through Sunderland’s city centre, Roker Park, and the University’s St Peter’s Campus.

University of Sunderland medical student Sara Khattab (Image: David James Wood)

One student who has already benefited from the Futures Fund is Sara Khattab, 23, who is in her final year of the MBChB Medicine degree at the University of Sunderland.

Ms Khattab said: "My work experience confirmed that medicine is for me.

"It was really rewarding seeing young patients get well.

"One young girl with Down’s Syndrome came in struggling to breath due to a heart defect.

"The next time I saw her she was on the ward, running around and laughing, and I knew then I wanted to make that kind of impact on young people."

University of Sunderland medical student Sara Khattab (Image: Supplied)

Hesitant to pursue medicine due to its demands and the lack of a family background in the field, she attended an open day at the University of Sunderland, which helped solidify her decision.

Ms Khattab said: "The students I spoke to were very happy to be studying at Sunderland.

"They showed me the anatomage table (for virtual dissection) and ultrasound machines we use to learn anatomy.

"It was very inspiring, and a really warm, friendly environment."

With support from the university’s Philanthropy Team, Ms Khattab received backing through the Futures Fund to spend a day at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she gained hands-on experience in paediatric medicine.

Ms Khattab said: "The teaching was so well delivered.

"I love that side of medicine, where you try to piece the puzzle pieces together and understand what you are looking at."

The experience included specialist workshops on paediatric care, such as giving newborn babies nutrition through the umbilical cord stump and testing for meningitis through lumber puncture.

Ms Khattab said: "I never knew that in paediatric you don’t do classic blood tests from veins but instead you take blood from the baby’s heal.

"We had some experienced nurses teaching us the skill and tips for how to do it effectively."

She said the day confirmed her interest in paediatrics as a future speciality.

Ms Khattab said: "Overall, we learnt that paediatrics as a specialty is very hands on, and that really drew me to it.

"Placing a UVC (umbilical venous catheter) a couple of millimetres too far in or out can cause complications.

"As someone who does embroidery in my free time, I do enjoy tasks that requires so much precision.

"Now I know that paediatrics is the specialty I see myself doing in the future.

"It would be an honour to be involved in the care of children in the future and work with some of the lovely people who shared their experiences with me.

"I really appreciate all the support I received from the University of Sunderland for this enjoyable event and the valuable learning experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital."

Those interested in running for the University of Sunderland can sign up for £10, and must pledge to raise at least £50 for the Futures Fund.

Supporters who are unable to take part in the run can find out more at the university’s Enthuse page.