BSc Neuroscience at The University of Mancheste

I am a Medical Writer at Havas Lynx Group, a creative healthcare communications agency based in Manchester. I joined their graduate scheme in August 2021 after searching for a role that would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with a creative flair, and so far it has been the perfect fit!

During the COVID-19 pandemic many international students were unable to fly home for the school holidays, so Rossall developed a program of activities over the Christmas and Easter breaks. Here I took on the role of activities leader and pastoral support staff member - working alongside a team of activities staff members, we put on events to bring the school holiday fun to students during a difficult time.

I have felt a strong connection to the school since leaving, through spending time working there in between my University studies and now having family members who attend the school. Going back to visit now feels like home and like I never left!

The greatest things happen outside of your comfort zone.

As a small 11-year-old… Big!

Rossall provides far more than a typical school experience - you will leave with a network of friends from all over the World and an endless list of stories that you’ll be telling your grandchildren!

I was part of the girls hockey first team amongst being involved in other sports, including netball and athletics. Despite having never picked up a hockey stick until my first day at Rossall, the memories I made both on and off the astroturf taught me life-long lessons that couldn’t be learned in a classroom. 

It was an honour to be Deputy School Captain during my final year at Rossall - I had the opportunity to connect with Old Rossallians, attend events and finish my time as a student there with the highly anticipated prize day speech.

Having a dedicated University and careers advisor to speak to was invaluable in the process of applying and preparing for University - I was incredibly uncertain when it came to planning the road I wanted to go down after Rossall, but the patience and guidance of teachers and Sixth Form staff was very reassuring (even when I had a completely new career plan every other week!).

It was great to reach out to other Old Rossallians on the telephone campaign in 2018 - many of them shared fond memories of their time at Rossall and it was lovely to hear them reminisce.

Unforgettable

I once believed running the Rossall cross country course in extreme weather conditions was the worst physical activity I had to endure… but training for a marathon is another level! I can’t quite remember how my weekends looked before they became consumed with the dreaded “long run”, and the training this year has been met with a rollercoaster of emotions, but thankfully there is not much further to go.

I lost a very close family member to cancer in 2019, and was determined to take on an extreme challenge in her legacy. I hate running, and my dad told me I’d never run a marathon, so I felt I had to prove him wrong. Three years later, I’m weeks away from running my second London Marathon in memory of a very special lady and raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. It’s been a challenge for both my body and my mind, but knowing that the funds raised are going to a charity so close to my heart is all the motivation I need.

If anyone would like to sponsor Olivia, you can do so here: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/livslondonmarathon