Three journalism students with medical conditions have won bursaries to help their training.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists has announced the winner of this year’s Claire Prosser bursary, and two recipients of the Thomas Read bursary, as part of its Journalism Diversity Fund.

Jordan Beck, pictured, has been named as the recipient of the former, while Dayna Latham and Declan Carey will be given funding via the latter.

Jordan, who will soon begin the part-time multimedia journalism course at News Associates Manchester, has dyspraxia and hopes to use journalism to raise awareness of the disorder.

He said: “I am both shocked and delighted to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the Claire Prosser bursary.

“It is a massive confidence boost and I look forward to carrying out my training in honour of a journalist who believed in fighting for all aspects of diversity.

“The bursary presents me with invaluable work placements, which will no doubt bring me closer to realising my dreams of becoming a showbiz journalist.

“I would like to thank the family of Claire Prosser for this fabulous opportunity as well as those close to me who have supported me on my journey so far. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Dayna will be studying with News Associates Manchester, was awarded the bursary, while Declan will be studying with News Associates London.

Dayna, an ex-athlete and ju-jutsu instructor with several invisible disabilities, said: “I’m so excited and so grateful to have been given this incredible opportunity.
“Disabled people often have to confront many more barriers to success – in this industry and in most others.

“The work done by all at the Thomas Read Bursary is invaluable in counteracting these barriers and I hope to make them all proud with what I achieve over the coming year.”

Declan, who was born with severe haemophilia and wants to develop a career in political journalism, added: “I am incredibly proud to be awarded the Thomas Read Bursary. Thomas proved beyond doubt that passion and determination matter more than anything else.

“I can’t thank the Read family enough for their support in helping me realise a dream I never imagined possible.”

“In additional to financial support, the three recipients will have access to work placements or mentoring set up through the bursaries.”