Caitlin’s Kickstart Award

Bright Tomorrows

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Giving promising students a chance

Caitlin’s Kickstart Award is a UK Shropshire-based charity, founded in 2001. We offer financial help to Ludlow College applicants in their first year of further/higher education. The present Award is a gift of up to £1,000 to winners, and varying amounts to  runners-up. The Award is not available for a gap year.

As of 2022 we have gifted over £61,000.

In 2014, CKA added two new occasional Awards: The Mary Hayter Memorial Award is offered nationally to students with a disability who are engaged in full or part time education and who would benefit from a cash grant to support project-related expenses. The first recipient of the Mary Hayter Award of £1,000 was Imogen Godwin, who required a Braille-dedicated computer for her course work. Applicants are invited to apply personally. You may also nominate a candidate for this Award.

The Amanda Brisbane Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement is an occasional award offered to applicants/recipients/supporters past and present of Caitlin’s Kickstart Award who have realized their dreams in their chosen endeavour. Applicants are invited to apply personally. You may also nominate candidates for this Award.  Joel Stone received the Amanda Brisbane Award in 2018 .

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Winner of 2023 Caitlin’s Kickstart Award

Lauren Allen

“I’m beyond grateful for this award, and I wish to make it known to you how wonderful this opportunity is for myself and others like me.” 

– Lauren Allen

CKA Runner Up

Chris Davies

Winner of 2023 CKA Mary Hayter Memorial Award

Amelia Crane

Recent Winners
Alice Riley

Awards evening at Ludlow

Eleanor Ladd

The Jesse Tree

A novel by CKA founder Linda Hurcombe
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Two teenagers. One summer. A murder mystery wrapped in an ancient riddle. The Jesse Tree is a captivating teen novel from a writer with a unique, timeless voice.

‘Now,’ said Summer Locke, ‘you stare me in the eye to the count of one hundred, no blinking allowed, and we shall be kin and I will show you magic.’ Robin used to live in London, in the heart of a city full of life. Now she’s living in the back of beyond in a sleepy rural backwater where nothing happens. Well, apart from the murder at the manor house. Oh, and the mysterious face at the window. And the bikers out for revenge. Robin wants to solve the mystery, and Summer Locke holds the key…

“I mean this is a GREAT book, and Linda is the BEST author. This book leads you on twists and turns and when Robin finds Summer it is a wonderful mix of friendship and mystery. A murder in a mansion brings people together and tears people apart at the same time. Mystery and murder . Gypsies and riches. Love turning into hate. I give it 4 stars because I wish I knew about Robin’s dad. I recommend it to people who love to read like me – I am 10 years old.”

Nia Matthews

“Fun, inquisitive, quirky, and full of adventure”

Damian Le Bas, author of The Stopping Places

“Right from the very beginning, you know you’re in safe hands as Linda Hurcombe skillfully hooks us into her story with her prologue. Robin’s world is kooky and completely believable and the narrative is pacey – I didn’t want to put it down, I was having so much fun. Dialogue is plentiful and characters are beautifully crafted through their voices. Aside from it being a tale well told, I learned a whole lot of stuff which is another jolly good reason for reading this lovely book!”

Vicki Orttewell

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We welcome your interest and support, and rely solely on your generosity. If you would like to raise funds, make a donation or just get in touch, please join our contact list and leave a message.