Our Team
Holly
Co-founder and Lead
University of Cambridge – Human, Social, and Political Sciences
I found navigating school with chronic fatigue isolating and challenging, but when I got to uni I was fortunate to find solidarity and support from other disabled students. I’m proud of how Head Up! is sharing this support with younger disabled people.
Mhairi
Co-founder and Vice President
University of Cambridge – Natural Sciences
From a young age I have had a chronic respiratory condition and deafness and so I have experience of managing the challenges of school with medical conditions. Through making the most of the support available to me, I have since graduated from Cambridge where I found a strong disabled community. I believe that Head Up! enables disabled students to support and encourage younger disabled students to achieve their ambitions.
Ruth
Mentoring Coordinator
University of Cambridge – Languages, Linguistics and Classics
Throughout my teenage years, a connective tissue disorder meant I had to get to grips with living with chronic pain and fatigue and adapting my studies accordingly. Support at school was lacking and, ask I didn’t know anyone in a similar position, I felt quite isolated. I’ve really valued all the support I’ve been able to access at uni and have loved the opportunity to meet other disabled students there and knowing that I’m not alone. I’m really hoping to be able to help in our mission of providing some of the support we wish we’d had at school!
Eleanor
Designated Safeguarding Lead
University of Cambridge – Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
Much of my secondary school experience was focused on balancing appointments, inpatient programmes, and my health rather than education, building friendships, or gaining independence. Mental health conditions, chronic pain and fatigue, dyspraxia, and autism all had a big impact on my confidence and self-esteem when applying to study at university, and this is why I think the awareness and resources Head Up! offers to disabled students are so valuable.
Milly
Governance and Recruitment Officer
University of York – Biochemistry with Year in Industry
Studying is already quite challenging and with a disability is even more tricky. I found the transition to university was a massive step and found my disability became even more evident. I really want to empower other students through their journey in higher education and be the role model that I wish I had.
Gabrielle
Treasurer
University of Cambridge – Human, Social and Political Sciences
When I began experiencing the horrors of chronic illness and disability in my teenage years, I realised very quickly how daunting university and the application process can be for someone affected by a disability. Being involved in Head Up! has allowed me to help others avoid the scary and unsupported application process I endured, and I am so proud to be a part of something so positive.
Ishnoor Kaur
Social Media Content Creator
University of Manchester – Public Health
I’m Ishnoor Kaur, a Public Health undergraduate at the University of Manchester with a deep interest in ethics, systems thinking, and community-centred impact. My work sits at the intersection of research, education, and storytelling, where I focus on translating complex ideas across health, technology, and social systems into accessible, human-centred narratives.
I’m motivated by meaningful dialogue, ethical leadership, and inclusive ways of working. Through research, youth-led initiatives, tutoring, and community engagement, I’ve worked to build spaces that prioritise equity, reflection, and real-world impact. Grounded in values of service, empathy, and lifelong learning, I aim to contribute thoughtfully; supporting people and communities to feel seen, capable, and connected.
Alice Dunning
Deputy Safeguarding lead
Sheffield Hallam University – Psychology
Applying for higher education can be daunting, particularly for those with additional needs. Navigating secondary school, sixth form, and now university while managing chronic illness and mental health needs has significantly impacted my confidence, mainly due to the lack of awareness of support available for me. Such experiences are why I’m so proud to be part of a team that can provide that support- empowering young people like me to take confident next steps in their academic journey despite their differences.
Asaya Starling
Communications Team Lead
University of Glasgow – Molecular & Cellular Biology
Hi, I’m Asaya! I recently finished my degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Glasgow, and I’m currently doing a research year in Pharmacology at the Sydney Eye Hospital.
I am a wheelchair user, neurodivergent, and chronically ill. Throughout school, university, and work, I’ve had both really positive and really frustrating experiences trying to access accommodations and medical care. Some people advocated for me brilliantly. Others… did not. Navigating that without many disabled role models was hard. I didn’t always know what I could ask for, how I should have been treated, or where to find people who understood what it was like. That’s why representation matters so much to me. I’m so excited to be a part of Head Up! and to build a space where disabled and disadvantaged students can connect with a mentor, feel seen, and realise they don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Tiffany Chen
Recruitment and Coordination Team
University of Cambridge – Pharmacology
Hi! I’m Tiffany, a current MPhil student in Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge. Currently, I’m studying the role of GDNF in pain signaling in mice vs naked mole-rats, but my research experiences span from pesticide exposure on nigrostriatal dopamine receptors to rare diseases to complex common diseases such as Parkinson’s.
I also have ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, which are the driving forces behind my passion for the research I do. Having gone through higher education and beyond both medicated and unmedicated, I understand how difficult it can be to figure out school and life with a disability, how hard it can be to advocate for yourself to get the treatment you need, and how much of a difference getting the right adjustments can make. I’m really proud and excited to be a part of the Head Up! Team to help other students navigate their way through whatever challenges come their way!
You?
Are you a current or recent university student? Are you disabled or an ally of the disability community? Find out how to get involved here.
Volunteers who are from ethnic minority and lower socio-economic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply, as we seek to represent all marginalised groups.
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.