A MUM is desperate to break the stigma surrounding single parent families after she was accepted to Oxford University.

Mikki Barrett, 30, from Southend, has secured a place at the prestigious university to study educational research, design and methodology as a post-graduate.

The mum-of-two was unsuccessful in her application for a scholarship to cover the costs of her tuition fees, resulting in the university telling her to find the cash herself.

Determined to grab the once in a life time opportunity, Mikki has set up a fundraising page as she attempts to raise the £4,000 she needs by July before her degree starts in October.

Mikki said: “They told me if I couldn’t afford the fees I would have to find another university.

“I was quite upset but I wasn’t prepared to give up.

“It’s just another hurdle I need to jump.

“I didn’t think I would ever get a place there and I’m determined to go.”

Mikki currently works as an adult tutor but hopes after completing her part-time, two year postgraduate degree, she could work in changing the primary curriculum.

Speaking about the stigma attached to single parent families, Mikki said it is time to break them.

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She added: “I see the stigma pretty much all the time – all day every day.

“To me, it is water off a ducks back because I’m happy being a single mum but it’s so important to break that.

“The system positions us ‘under privileged’ people to not strive for the best. I’m incredibly passionate in driving change for the primary curriculum as my long term goal but in order to do that, I need the opportunities that Oxford could bring.

“I’d love nothing more to go and not only achieve greatness, but try and fight the system so more people from less privileged backgrounds can still rise up and become equal.”

In less than a week, Mikki has already managed to raise £1,635 and is confident of hitting her total and heading to the prestigious university.

She added: “All the support I have received so far, I’m so grateful.

“It’s so appreciated even if people just share the fundraiser.

“I can’t believe how kind people are, it’s amazing.”

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mikki-get-to-oxford.