Page 45 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

to educate, inspire, and empower people
to help tackle some of the world’s most
pressing problems. Whilst the coronavirus
pandemic is a global tragedy, fi rst and
foremost, it has highlighted people’s
willingness to help others in their times
of need.” Users are invited to participate OR NEWS
in regular individual actions and to set
challenges for infl uencers, companies, and
governments. These actions, which are
the key part of each monthly campaign,
include signing petitions and open letters,
pledging behavioural changes, sharing
campaigns on social media, and making
small donations of time or money to a cause.
Matthew studied Chemical Engineering
at the University of Cambridge and was
After leaving Ratcliffe, Harriot Rockey looking for something to do immediately
(12) graduated from Newcastle University, after graduating in June. His friend from
travelled the world, and then went on to university, Lizzie Elgar, came up with the Sophie Riley (15): “After leaving Ratcliffe,
co-found her own company, Infl uence idea for the app. She explained: “People I moved to Manchester, where I have been
Network, with her business partner, Mike can often feel overwhelmed by large-scale gradually ticking off the years of a seven-
Duma. Since the launch of this social problems and powerless to help. But all year medical degree, which includes a
media marketing platform in 2017, they of us have huge power to drive change. foundation year, fi ve years of medical
have worked with brands such as Rolls- The global tragedy of the coronavirus training, and an optional extra year doing
Royce, Aldi, and I Saw It First. During the pandemic has highlighted people’s an intercalated degree. At the outbreak
pandemic, Harriot and Mike helped with willingness to help others in their times of the pandemic, I was in the middle
the PPE shortages faced in the NHS by 3D of need.” Matthew is lead copywriter, of my fourth year, which was suddenly
printing protective mask frames (pictured, responsible for the team of copywriters interrupted. With the cancellation of all
below), which were then donated where who produce written content for now-u, clinical placements and exams, I was left
they were most needed across the UK. from blog articles, newsletters, and video at a loose end, so I started applying for
With two printers at their disposal, they scripts to app and website content. He a variety of jobs. I managed to get a job
also worked with the local police, who added: “Volunteering with now-u has as a clinical support worker at the NHS
added the visors to their printed mask been a tremendous experience. It’s given Nightingale North West Hospital, located
frames. Their aim was to print over 100 a me an insight into how our individual, small in the Manchester Central Convention
week, to ensure that nurses working on actions can manifest into lasting change Complex. The work entailed assisting the
the front line got the protection that they in the world. It’s been a pleasure working nurses and providing care for patients with
needed as quickly as possible. The fi rst with such a diverse, dedicated group of COVID-19. The experience that I gained in
batch were gratefully received by the Royal people, and any current or former Ratcliffe the two months that I worked there, prior
Derby Hospital. students who would like some volunteering to its closure, taught me so much about
experience are welcome to get in touch.” how to deliver good patient care. I hope
that I will take the skills that I learnt in
this job into my future career as a doctor.
My experience with CCF at Ratcliffe gave
me some insight into the management
of trauma patients, and from this, I have
developed an interest in pre-hospital
medicine. I was fortunate enough to get
a place on a course run by Barts and the
London, and the London Air Ambulance,
where I will complete an intercalated BSc
year in Pre-Hospital Medicine, before
returning to Manchester in September
2021 to complete the last year of my
medical degree. I’m excited to be spending
a coveted year in London. As a bonus, I’m
so lucky that many of my Ratcliffe school
Matthew Harris (16) was part of a group of friends are also currently living in London,
over 50 volunteers who launched a non- and I’m looking forward to getting to spend
profi t interactive app, now-u, on July 1st some time with them, too! I continue to
2020. During the worldwide pandemic, value the time I spent at Ratcliffe College,
these volunteers from across the UK and and I feel privileged to have been part of
beyond dedicated their time in lockdown the Ratcliffe community.”
to work on building a platform for change.
Matthew said: “The central aim of now-u is
The Old Ratcliffi an 2020 45