Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions are delighted to announce Remi Livesey as the recipient of the 2026 Knutsford Millennium Bursary, with Valeriia Shymko receiving the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award.
Established in 2000, the Knutsford Millennium Bursary is awarded annually by Knutsford Town Council in partnership with Knutsford Lions to support local students undertaking higher education.
The bursary is open to students who have completed their second year of study and normally reside in Knutsford or Toft. The main award of £760 is designed to help fund a specific project, dissertation or other aspect of a student’s academic development, with an additional Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award recognising another outstanding applicant.
Remi, a former student of The Grange School, is currently studying Medicine at the University of Cambridge. Alongside an outstanding academic record, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and medical innovation. Remi plans to build a career combining clinical practice with research and is currently exploring emerging treatments in immunology and cancer research. The bursary will help fund accommodation costs associated with summer research projects, enabling him to gain valuable experience at the forefront of medical advances.
Alongside his studies, Remi has volunteered extensively within the local community, including supporting patients on respiratory and dementia wards at Macclesfield District General Hospital and helping deliver CPR and first aid training through the Knutsford Community First Responder Trust. He hopes to continue supporting local initiatives whenever he returns to Knutsford.
On receiving the award, Remi said: “I am incredibly grateful to Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions for awarding me this bursary. The thought of being part of medical research that advances knowledge and uncovers new treatments is something that really excites me. This summer, I’ve been offered an amazing opportunity to join a research group working in a fascinating field, and this bursary will help fund my accommodation while I gain hands-on research experience. Thank you so much – it truly means a great deal.”
Valeriia Shymko, a former student of Knutsford Academy, has been awarded the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award. She is currently studying Business and Management at the University of York, where she has developed a particular interest in sustainable business and consultancy.
Earlier this year, Valeriia was selected to present a project at an international symposium in Greece and this summer will undertake an internship in Manchester to further develop her professional experience. Alongside her studies, she serves as a Student Ambassador for the University of York’s School for Business and Society, supporting prospective students and representing the university at events. The award will help support the costs associated with her internship, research and final-year dissertation as she prepares for a career in business, which she hopes to pursue from her hometown of Knutsford after graduation.
Lydia Barclay, representing Knutsford Lions, said: “We were impressed by the ambition, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by both of this year’s award recipients. Remi is determined to build a medical career that combines clinical practice with innovative research, creating a legacy through work that could improve treatments for autoimmune conditions, specific illnesses and, in time, cancers. Alongside his academic achievements, Remi has already made a significant contribution to Knutsford and the surrounding area through a wide range of part-time and voluntary roles, including positions in both sport and healthcare. We have no doubt that we will hear much more about his work in the years ahead.
Valeriia has also shown exceptional drive and initiative as she works towards a career in business. She consistently goes beyond the requirements of her degree, attending additional university workshops to broaden her expertise, and she hopes to return to Knutsford after graduating to begin her career locally.
Both recipients are outstanding examples of talented young people who are prepared to work hard, make the most of every opportunity and give back to their local community. We are delighted that these awards will help them take the next steps towards their future careers.”
Applications for the 2027 Knutsford Millennium Bursary will open in October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027. Eligible students from Knutsford and Toft are encouraged to apply. If you would like to find out more, please visit https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary