The Chronicle

Dream on track after treatment

- Meghan Harris meghan.harris@thechronic­le.com.au

AFTER battling cancer as a young teenager Billy Whittle’s plan to become a mechanical engineer is back on track.

Mr Whittle was diagnosed with anaplastic t-cell lymphoma of the skin when he was 15 and continues treatment five years on with regular hospital check-ups.

He recently received some good news after securing a grant in the 2017 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarshi­p to help fund his university fees and give him access to tutoring for his final year of studies.

Mr Whittle said the $2000 scholarshi­p relieved pressure on him continuing the education required to pursue his dream job.

“Cancer is expensive and has delayed my dream to become a mechanical engineer,” he said.

“This scholarshi­p has helped take some of the financial pressure away from not only me, but my parents as well.

“The scholarshi­p has

Cancer is expensive and has delayed my dream. — Billy Whittle

given me some independen­ce to focus on my studies and keep doing something that I love. I am very thankful to receive this help when I need it most.”

Mr Whittle said without the scholarshi­p, completing his studies would be a lot more stressful.

Redkite has awarded 34 scholarshi­ps to young Australian­s aged 15 to 24 years old who are being treated for cancer or are living with its impact.

Now in its fifth year, the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarshi­p program encourages teens and young adults to pursue their education, career or life dreams that have been sidelined because of undergoing cancer treatment.

 ?? PHOTO: NEV MADSEN ?? STRONG FUTURE: Billy Whittle has received a scholarshi­p for his mechanical engineerin­g degree.
PHOTO: NEV MADSEN STRONG FUTURE: Billy Whittle has received a scholarshi­p for his mechanical engineerin­g degree.

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