A YOUNG doctor has made an unusual donation to his old school – a life-sized skeleton.

Gareth Rogers, 24, makes no bones about the support he received at Hummersknott Academy in Darlington, saying: “The teachers helped me to realise my dream.”

As a thank you, he has now passed on the anatomically-correct skeleton to the school’s science department in the hope of inspiring other pupils to pursue a career in medicine.

The skeleton was bought for him at the outset of his medical studies by grandparents Maureen and David Chinnick.

“The skeleton got me through my training so, hopefully, he will now help put others on the path to a career in medicine,” said Gareth. “I can’t think of a more fitting new home for him.”

He added: “I’ll always be grateful to the school for enabling me to develop my interest in science and it’s nice to be able to give something back.”

After leaving Hummersknott, Gareth went to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington before studying medicine for five years at the University of Leeds. He undertook a further year in clinical anatomy, and in August he will become a Foundation Year One doctor at Leeds General Infirmary, working on vascular surgery and intensive care medicine.

Hummersknott principal James Keating said: “We are so proud of our alumni and this is a wonderful gesture by Gareth, who has gone on to achieve such wonderful things already.”

Head of science Rebecca Flynn added: “It’s incredible to have the skeleton to use in school and we are delighted so see how well Gareth has done.”

While he was at Hummersknott, Gareth went on a Chinese exchange trip and he credits the experience with fuelling his interest in international health and education.

During his medical training, he spent six weeks working in a tiny missionary hospital in India, and he has also worked as editor of a series of medical text books.