Dream of being a vet has £94,000 price tag

A life-long dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon could be in tatters for a Shropshire animal lover who is facing massive student fees of almost £100,000 in order to fulfil her ambition.

Jenna Morris, 24 of Ellesmere, has received a much sought after place at the Liverpool School of Veterinary Science – but it comes with a £94,500 price tag.

While many students up and down the country struggle to meet annual fees of just over £3,000, Jenna is being faced with a bill of £18,900 annually over five years as it will be her second degree.

She said: "Since the start, my career has been orientated around the health and welfare of animals. I have a natural passion in this area and at the age of 24 my dream since childhood has been to graduate as a veterinary surgeon.

"I have received an unconditional offer from Liverpool for a place on the Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree course starting in September 2010."

But she added: "As I will be studying for a second BSc degree I will be a full fee paying student. It's a bit of a grey area. There is no Government funding for a second degree. They don't subsidise courses at all so you have to find it yourself."

Jenna said she is so passionate about pursing the career she has longed for that she is now appealing for help to meet the costs.

"This is a career that I want to pursue more than anything. There is no other career that I would be as truly passionate about or would provide me with the same level of fulfilment.

"It's an opportunity I can't let up on. I just can't believe how much money we are talking about."

As a school leaver Jenna embarked on a veterinary nursing and practice management degree.

But she has worked her way up through the ranks and even went back to college full-time after completing her first degree to gain the three A levels needed to meet the veterinary school entry requirements.

She added: "Family and friends are offering to provide what support they can, however the deficit is proving hard to find. Banks are unwilling to lend."

Jenna is appealing for anyone who can help to contact her on (01691) 623916, 07886 292074.

By Suzanne Roberts