A DEAF Nepalese immigrant, who is now based in Dorset, has set up a fundraising page to enable him to achieve his dream of getting a university degree.

Aayush Gurung, who now resides in Blandford, is profoundly deaf, he is unable to speak and relies on sign language to communicate.

The 22-year-old moved to the UK from his home country of Nepal in January 2016 at the age of 17 to improve his education.

After passing his A-Levels, Mr Gurung has been offered a place at Bournemouth University, studying Accounting and Finance.

But due to his immigration status, which is ‘limited leave to remain’, Mr Gurung is unable to apply for student loans on Disabled Student Allowance (DSL). He also cannot apply for any loans from the UK government.

With both of his parents having low incomes and being unable to support him, Mr Gurung was unsure of his next step. This is when he came up with the idea of starting a GoFundMe page to help him further his educational ambitions.

In a video appeal launching his campaign, he signed: “I have set up a GoFundMe page to ask you all for donations so I am able to go to university and continue my education.

“I have no money and that has become a barrier when it comes to progressing with my education.

“It has been hard as self-promotion in public is not a natural thing for me, but my parents, uncle and teacher supported me and encouraged me to build my confidence.”

The original target amount for the fundraiser was £24,000 but thanks to a combination of grants courtesy of the Charity of William Williams and Blandford Rotary Club, alongside Bournemouth University giving Mr Gurung ‘home’ fee status, the target has dropped to £15,650. Over £1,700 has currently been raised.

Mr Gurung has chosen to study at Bournemouth University as he can easily travel to and from the campus from Blandford and would not have to pay any accommodation or maintenance expenses.

He added: “I have faced many barriers throughout my life but I will never give up. Donations from the public will help me to achieve my dreams, all donations will be very much appreciated.”

To donate to Mr Gurung’s cause, visit www.gf.me/u/ywgi8d