A cash-strapped student is set to join one of world’s most prestigious universities — by writing poems for anyone who will fund him.
Scots student Michael Grieve, 21, has won a place to study a masters degree in English studies at Cambridge University.
But he needs to raise a whopping £9,468 to study the course and prove he has the finance for tuition.
Michael, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, came up with the novel idea of writing bespoke poems for people who donated money to his online fundraiser.
And his campaign has been a great success after he managed to raise £3,310 towards his tuition fees.
And he has even had support from crime author Val McDermid.
Michael, who will graduate from St Andrews University with a first class honours in English, said: “I had heard of people crowdfunding things before and they always have reward structures in place.
“I enjoy writing poetry so I thought this was something I could do for a fundraiser and offer to write some poems for people who donate.
“The campaign is going remarkably well considering how long it has been up.
“The first few days were just mindblowing. People have been so generous with their support and I can’t fully express my gratitude to them.
“My old school, Kirkcaldy High School, contacted Val McDermid on social media asking for her support and she was kind enough to donate £100.
“My friends and family have been so great with their donations as well.
“Despite the huge support, not a lot of donors have actually asked for poems.
“I really want to thank them so I may have to save it for a video I plan to send out at the end of the campaign.”
Michael does not have to pay his tuition fees to Cambridge University up front, but he must prove he has the finance available to get him through the year.
As he is Scottish, he does not qualify for a postgraduate loan.
Michael added: “You need to sign a form that says you can finance your year at Cambridge University.
“The university doesn’t allow us to have paid jobs during the year, so we need to prove that we have the necessary finance.
“That way we can just focus on our academic studies.”
