Skip to main content
What types of page to search?

Popular pages: Undergraduate Postgraduate PhD Accommodation Research International students

Alternatively use our A-Z index.

“I haven't laughed that hard in ages, I really needed that”

Published on

Group of students sitting on a giant paddleboard, smiling and enjoying the water.

Liverpool student doctors took a break from the books this May with two special social events that prioritised their wellbeing through some fun climbing and paddleboarding activities.

These exciting society events were subsidised by a new initiative – the Kieran Brinn Project Fund, established in loving memory of former student Kieran Brinn who sadly passed away in December 2022. 

Students climbing indoor rock walls while others watch at Awesome Walls.

After a competitive application process, the £1000 fund helped bring both LMSS and Wilderness Medicine's ideas to life. First up was the LMSS Climbing social, expertly organised by Social Secretaries Edward Turner and Esha Vadher.  

“On 11 May 2025, an eager group of LMSS climbers descended upon Awesome Walls for the LMSS Kieran Brinn Climbing Social. This social was made possible by funding secured from the Kieran Brinn fund, and allowed members to get some much-needed down time as we approach a busy exam period. The event catered for all abilities, form rookies to expert climbers. 

Group photo of LMSS students smiling together at Awesome Walls climbing centre.

Our climbing social was an amazing afternoon filled with great energy, many laughs and naturally, a healthy dose of competition!  

It was an enjoyable way to relax before exams and spend time with our friends - thank you to everyone who came, it rocked!" 

Students tackling fun, themed climbing walls with bright, patterned grips.

Next, was paddleboarding with Liverpool Wilderness Medicine Society. Student Doctor Eleanor Joyce shares,  

“We hosted a free paddleboarding event at the Liverpool Docks on Wednesday 21 May, for over 40 students. As a society, we place a high value on mental health and outdoor wellbeing, and we recognise the positive effects that being outside has on our wellbeing. This event helped support this further.  

Student standing on a paddleboard at the Liverpool docks with city landmarks behind and a group of 5 students sitting on one paddleboard and smiling at the camera.

We were fortunate to have gorgeous weather, and students were able to take a well-earned break from revising in the library to relaxing and having fun on the water.  

Some students took a calmer approach to paddleboarding, enjoying the sunshine and exploring the docks, whilst others took a more adventurous approach and embraced falling into the water.  

One participant said, "It was so much fun to see Liverpool from a different angle," while another said, "I haven't laughed that hard in ages, I really needed that."  

Student doing a headstand on a paddleboard while others watch and paddle nearby on the Liverpool docks.

In addition to the physical exercise, it was nice for students to socialise in a non-academic environment away from the pressure of revision and exams. We hope to make this an annual event in the future.” 

Well done to all involved and a huge thank you to Kieran’s family who have generously set up the fund to support student wellbeing, alongside a Kieran Brinn Bursary, which will be awarded each year to a student doctor intercalating in Acute, Critical and Emergency Care at the University of Liverpool. Keep a look out next academic year for further opportunities to boost your wellbeing!  

Discover more 

  • Learn more about Kieran’s legacy and what motivated his family to set up these initiatives in this article. 
  • If you lead a society, stay tuned for applications opening again in the new academic year and put your idea forward to benefit from this most special fund.
  • See what other funding opportunities, resources and facilities are available to support your society activities on the Guild website.