Originally featured by the Cochlear Implanted Children's Support Group (CICS), this article has been adapted to celebrate the achievements of Mary Hare alumna Neve Massey.
CICS is an independent, voluntary group run by parents whose children have cochlear implants to help others whose children already have implants and those who are considering cochlear implantation for their child whether unilateral, simultaneous or sequential bilateral.
Mary Hare Alumna Neve’s Journey to Vet School
Neve, a proud Mary Hare School graduate, is now 18 and thriving in her first year at the University of Nottingham’s Veterinary School. Her journey is a powerful example of determination, resilience, and the impact of tailored support for students with hearing impairments.
From Mary Hare to Veterinary Medicine
In 2024, Neve completed her A Levels at Mary Hare, with A-B-B grades in Biology, Chemistry, and English Literature—meeting the contextual offer requirements for Nottingham’s Veterinary School. With support from Mary Hare, she received interview coaching, personal statement guidance, and help applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Empowered by Technology
Through DSA, Neve received essential equipment including a laptop, iPad, and note-taking software. Most notably, she uses a digital stethoscope that connects via Bluetooth to her cochlear implants, allowing her to monitor heart and breathing sounds directly through her phone—an innovative solution tailored to her needs.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of academics, Neve enjoys show jumping with her horse Zula and works part-time at a local pub, which has helped her build confidence in noisy environments. At university, she joined the Vet Society and climbing club, forming a supportive circle of friends who help her navigate practical sessions.
Overcoming Challenges
Veterinary Medicine is a demanding course, and Neve has faced challenges with terminology and lecture accessibility. She benefits from group study, mentoring through the “Big Vet, Little Vet” scheme, and note takers provided via DSA. However, differences in radio aid systems among students with hearing impairments sometimes make tuning into lectures difficult.
Gaining Experience and Giving Back
Neve’s passion for veterinary medicine began in Year 7. She’s already completed lambing work on a farm and has lined up summer placements at a dairy farm, a cat rescue centre, and the Riding School for the Disabled—where her journey first began.
A Role Model for the Future
Born profoundly deaf and living with cochlear implants, Neve is blazing a trail for others like her. Her story is a beacon of hope for cochlear-implanted children, showing that with determination and the right support, dreams really can come true.
We are delighted to celebrate Neve’s success in securing a place at her top-choice university to study Veterinary Medicine. Her dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of preparation have truly paid off. This milestone reflects not only Neve’s personal commitment but also the invaluable support she received from both the Cochlear Implanted Children’s Support Group (CICS) and Mary Hare School.
As she embarks on this demanding five-year degree, we wish her every success and hope she continues to thrive—academically, personally, and in the company of the animals she is so passionate about.
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