In September this year Rye News announced how Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital was launching an exciting new project.
The charity’s CEO, Charlotte Kneer, outlined the vision of The Leslie Fitch Scholarship which was set up to give financial assistance to postgraduate students wishing to study for a second degree in a range of medical disciplines.
After a comprehensive application process involving advertising the new scholarship in the media, delivering flyers to all surgeries in the Rother area and collaboration with Brighton University, the RMBF (Royal Medical Benevolent Fund) and The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust, the charity has announced the first recipient of the scholarship.
Rebecca Duffy was the unanimous choice of the charity’s panel and awarded the full scholarship.
“It was her unwavering determination to study to become a doctor, despite numerous financial and personal hurdles, that made Rebecca stand out as a particularly worthy recipient,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “The panel was impressed by her proven academic ability and are confident she will use this opportunity to continue her journey towards her goal to work in medicine.”
Francesca Clent, Charity Office Manager, caught up with Rebecca to find out more about her long-held ambition.
“When I had my daughter in 2018, I decided to change career and go into healthcare. I originally completed a degree in Human Biology, graduating in 2022 with a First. My plan was to then study for a master’s degree to be a physician associate. I held off applying as I knew what I really wanted was to be a doctor, but I didn’t think that was really an option for people like me. I stayed working in the NHS to keep gaining experience and eventually took the leap of faith. I sat the entrance exams and made my application to see if it was an option and much to my surprise it was! I was made an early offer from Brighton and Sussex Medical School just two days after my interview!”
Rebecca is a single mother who has been working in an administrative role in the hospital at Rye for four years. Her colleagues in the NHS and the charity are 100% behind her as they have all witnessed her commitment and her incredible work ethic.
Rebecca left her role as intermediate care administrator in July saying, “I was so sad to leave the team at Rye Hospital as they are just wonderful, and it really is a very special unit. I have seen lots of changes during my time at Rye, but it has always retained its uniqueness and seems to attract equally special people to work there.”
Rebecca started her Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery second degree in October. “I have now started at medical school, and there is a lot to take in, but it is very enjoyable and interesting! I’m so excited for this journey and hope to retain my ties with Rye Hospital as it will always have a special place in my heart. It was the Rye team who ultimately gave me the confidence to go ahead and apply for medical school. There is no doubt in my mind, I simply wouldn’t be in this fortunate position without them.”
If you or someone you know would like to follow in Rebecca’s footsteps to embark on a second degree in any NHS clinical area, then please submit your application for the academic year 2026-27 when the window opens on Monday 12 January 2026.
Full details will be available on the charity’s website in the New Year at https://ryehospital.org.uk/scholarship/ and any enquiries should be directed to Francesca Clent at francesca@ryehospital.org.uk or on 01797 228842.
Image Credits: Rye Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital .