Richard Matson Scholar: Tilly Wild

Tilly Wild, fourth year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy student and recipient of the Richard Matson scholarship.

“Growing up in a small family in Lancashire, I have always had pets of many species including dogs, cats, horses and rabbits. I currently own two house rabbits, Hazel and Fiver, who travel wherever I go. Having a love for animal welfare led me to my decision to work in rehabilitation, with my focus being companion animals and in particular, canine arthritis management”, says Tilly, 22.

“This scholarship appealed to me as it was aimed at students on courses that may not be eligible for most other scholarships, and students who are in financial need. Being from a single parent family with low income, supporting myself through university has been a challenge, relying on student loans and part-time work alongside my studies to pay for all of life’s costs such as rent, food, car insurance, petrol, and healthcare – leaving very little room to save for the future.

“This award will allow me to remove some financial burden from both myself and my family and allow me to begin building an inventory of equipment needed to become a mobile small animal physiotherapist. My long-term goals involve having my own small rehabilitation centre, at which I would love to offer work experience and placements to prospective physiotherapy students, as I myself know how difficult it is to find experience in the industry.”

Away from her studies, Tilly, from Bury, Lancashire, likes to get out in the fresh air. “I have always had a passion for hiking and the outdoors, I have been a part of the Army Cadets and gained the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Since then I have continued to push myself with hill walking, long distance hikes, wildlife spotting, camping and, most recently, rock climbing. There is no better way to clear the mind than spending time in nature. I’m also a surprisingly good shot with an air rifle.”