Teenage fashionista, 17, hit with £54,000 roadblock in attempt to achieve her dreams

A teenager from Wigan is hoping to break through a financial barrier and achieve her dreams with and has her sights set on an exclusive London fashion academy. Aimee Lakin is an Art and Design student who is pleading for help with her goal of attending the Jimmy Choo Academy - pioneered by its namesake known for handmade luxury shoes.

The Standish resident got over the first hurdle of actually getting an offer, which less than 100 hopefuls manage to achieve each year. But now there is the financial burden of £18,000 tuition fees a year to think about.

The 17-year-old can get a student loan for living costs, but due to the academy being private, she cannot get the student loan for tuition.

Read more: Salford Quays residents left confused after signs for 'Trafford' appear on streets

Now she has almost finished her time at Runshaw College, the wannabe fashion designer is giving everything she can to be able to take this opportunity, working as many waitress shifts at the Paddock, in Wrightington, as possible and even buying and selling clothes for profit in her spare time. Aimee has big dreams, and she believes that this opportunity can get her one step closer to them.

“It means everything to me,” she said. “If I got the amount for three years it would be a massive step for me.

“I want to own my own fashion business. I want to make it sustainable and make it inclusive to all.

“I would want it to be a welcoming brand. Someone who went to the academy last year put out a GoFundMe for tuition and saw success so I am hoping to replicate that.”

The academy helps the students grow their own business and bring in experts in the field to help the students on their path to success. This would provide the skills she needs to move