We are thrilled to introduce you to Macie, who was recently awarded the Postal Family Fund DofE bursary.
The bursary allowed Macie to complete her Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition overseas, building up her confidence and resilience, and creating strong friendships following severe bullying at school. We spoke to Macie and her postie mum, Zoe Moore, about the impact the DofE Award and the bursary have had on Macie.
Why did you apply for the Postal Family Fund bursary?
Zoe: Macie is home-educated due to severe bullying and no school in the local area had any space. Due to this, we have to pay for GCSE exams and tutors which is very expensive. She had already completed her bronze DofE and wanted to try something different for her silver. We needed some financial help with doing her RYA day skipper and for some sailing clothing.
What impact has the bursary had?
Macie: The impact the grant has had on my life is truly astonishing. The grant helped me to complete my Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition overseas. It was such an amazing experience and opportunity, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the grant. A grant like this is simply amazing because it allows young people like myself the opportunity to experience things we never thought were possible.
Not only was the grant able to help towards the cost of this amazing expedition, but it also helped me get all the necessary equipment I needed to complete the expedition. Without this financial assistance, it would have been incredibly difficult to afford the correct resources to participate in such a challenging and rewarding expedition.
During the expedition, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone and develop invaluable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The whole experience allowed me to grow as an individual and gain a deeper understanding of the world around me. I formed strong friendships with my teammates and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Moreover, this grant has opened doors for me beyond the expedition itself. It has given me the confidence and motivation to pursue further opportunities for personal and academic growth. By receiving this grant, I feel a sense of validation and recognition for my efforts, encouraging me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity this grant has given me. It has not only allowed me to fulfil my dreams but has also instilled in me a passion for helping others and giving back to my community. I hope that many more young people like me will have the privilege of benefiting from similar grants in the future.
Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in the potential of young individuals.
What would you like to say to other postal workers thinking about apply for a bursary?
Zoe: I would recommend the Postal Family Fund and have mentioned it to other people, it has been a great help with helping my daughter do her expedition.