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A Ukrainian refugee whose grandparents were killed during the Russian invasion has been awarded a bursary to pursue his dreams of becoming a vet.

Thomas Westley, who had to flee his homeland, has been awarded the Fostering Compassion bursary at the University of Central Lancashire, where he is studying veterinary medicine.

The 21-year-old arrived in Manchester with no money and only a backpack containing his remaining possessions, and also did not speak English.

Mr Westley said to be chosen for the bursary was a "real honour".

The bursary will mean he can gain extra understanding and support during his five-year veterinary medicine and surgery degree course at the university’s Preston campus, founders of the bursary said.

Mr Westley was brought up surrounded by animals after his mother opened an animal sanctuary in the small town of Zolotonosha, providing a home to more than 20 species.

'Challenging'

He later moved to live with his grandparents and started a course at Vinnytsia Medical School, before Russia invaded.

"My grandparents, who had taken control of our sanctuary, died during the initial invasion" Mr Westley said.

"I returned home to bury them and re-home the animals, including my beloved cat, Bonya".

Mr Westley was then granted access to the UK and taken in by sponsors in Manchester.

The student was then accepted on a veterinary access course at Manchester College while working alongside his studies as a cleaner.

Shortly after this, Mr Westley applied for an opening at the university.

He added: "It has been a financially challenging year so this bursary is a huge help for me.”

Lesley Winton, founder of Fostering Compassion, said: “To support Thomas is a great honour for us, especially given the dreadful amount of trauma and loss he has suffered.

"We hope we will play a small part in helping him forge a career in the veterinary profession and as he gradually begins to rebuild his life.”

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