海角直播

Stephen鈥檚 an athletic accountant

Ace athlete and University of 海角直播 graduate Stephen Hepples has enjoyed a year of racing successes. His lucky run has continued by clinching a post as a trainee Accountant after his first interview. Stephen, 21, from Hinderwell, North Yorkshire, has just graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Accounting & Finance and started his new post with Whitby-based accountancy firm Philip Burley and Co in July. He entered competitive long-distance racing at the age of 15, after being spotted in a charity run by local coach Peter Clifford.

Stephen trains with Loftus Athletics Club. His many achievements include the National Under-23 Amateur Athletics Associations鈥� 5000M title, and the second fastest time in the UK for 5km. He has raced in a range of international venues, including Spain, France, Belgium and Sydney, Australia. Stephen said: 鈥淚 love running, it鈥檚 addictive and something you can always improve on. I want to keep getting better and better. I鈥檝e got a good coach and people at the club are really friendly.

鈥淭he degree has given me an entry to a new career. My favourite modules were accounting and economics, and I鈥檝e got exemptions from the foundation year of my Accounting training thanks to the course. The University鈥檚 Learning Resource Centre is fantastic, easily accessible with friendly staff. 鈥�

May proved to be a busy month for Stephen. In one week he sat University finals, and gained his new job.

A fund was set up in 1999 by Stephen's home village, to help raise money towards his travel costs and footwear. Thanks to a range of events, such as quizzes and tombolas, over 拢2,000 was raised, earning Hinderwell the best sponsor award from Athletics Weekly magazine. Stephen added: "The fund was a real help as I often have to travel a long way to seek out the best competitions, and I don't have a car.鈥�

Stephen is the son of Andrea and David Hepples and a former pupil of Whitby Community College and Caedom School.

For more details on the BA (Hons) degree in Accounting & Finance please call 01642 342807, or check the University of 海角直播鈥檚 web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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