"I attended Hymers under the Government’s Direct Grant Scheme, the forerunner of today’s Bursaries. Parents made a contribution only according to their means. My father’s time as a Hull fisherman ended, and despite long hours, his job on the fish dock did not pay well; my mother had to give up work to care for an increasingly dependent elderly relative. 

"Albeit the highly competitive entrance exam put us in the top 10% or so, G.C.E results from Hymers greatly exceeded those from the city’s grammar schools. I doubt I would have got to university from any other school in Hull. 

"For a boy from a working-class background to become a healthcare professional (dentist, proudly NHS) meant considerable social advancement. It’s not so much that it enabled a lifestyle my parents could only dream about: it meant a fulfilling career where you could make a difference in other people’s lives. Colleagues agreed: we would sometimes even look forward to Monday mornings.

"I feel strongly that someone from a working-class background such as my own can contribute to healthcare by appreciating the aspirations of ordinary people: so for example, I believe anyone is entitled to look good and smile confidently; you never know, they may appear one day in the paper or on a tv programme.

"The difference it made to me made me feel the need to ‘Give Back’ so that in the future, Hymers will continue to equip youngsters to achieve fulfilment and make a difference in other people’s lives too. "

Chris Bee (OH 1961-70)