A Blackburn teenager has gained a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Hussain Mughal, who has seen both his grandma and mum require extensive treatment from doctors, is one of two recipients of the Livesey Scholarship, which covers all his tuition fees for the duration of his MBBS Medicine and Surgery degree course.

The 19-year-old said: “Medicine wasn't a sudden realisation or young childhood dream but instead came from experiences attending hospital and GP appointments with my mum and grandma.

“Seeing the doctors’ positive impact on their lives showed me how rewarding a career in medicine really is.

"Both of them have been exceptionally encouraging on my journey to medical school and I always endeavour to make them proud.”

The former Witton Park Academy and Blackburn College Sixth Form pupil is in the first year of his five-year course at UCLan’s Preston Campus.

The Livesey Scholarship is offered to two MBBS students, who come from a background that is under-represented at UCLan, and who have successfully completed the Pathways to Medicine Programme. The programme provides advice, skills, and support to strengthen student applications to medicine and other related professional healthcare courses.

Hussain is looking to develop a personal interest in cardiothoracic surgery when he specialises after graduation

He added: “When I found out about the scholarship I was over the moon and couldn't believe it.

“I am the first in my family for generations to ever pursue a career in medicine or healthcare and the Pathways to Medicine Course has helped me immensely in doing so.

 “I am truly grateful to my family and teachers for their incredible support. The staff at UCLan have also been incredibly supportive and their innovative teaching style further fuelled my ambition to study there.

“It's been a rollercoaster of a journey but I'm overjoyed that UCLan has allowed me to pursue my dream career and granted me the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”