Patrick McClintock (SU 2019-21) explains his feelings on winning “Male Undergraduate of the Year” award for his Charity “Check in on a mate“!

“Last Friday is a day I don’t think I’ll ever fully be able to put into words. I was named “Male Undergraduate of the Year” at the targetjobs UK Undergraduate of the Year Awards.

Six months ago, this was just an application. Since then it’s been aptitude tests, assessment centres, interviews, and constant self reflection. Moments of doubt, moments of growth, and a lot of learning along the way.

To stand in Canary Wharf, surrounded by people I have huge respect for, and hear my name called, is something I’m still trying to process.

It was presented by Jamie Laing, which made the moment even more surreal. Out of more than 600 applicants, down to 10 finalists, every single person there was exceptional. Genuinely. It was a privilege just to share the room with them. The kind of people you know are going to go on and do incredible things.

This means even more to me because of who I was representing; Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and Queen Mary University of London

And alongside that, building something that means everything to me. Check in on a mate – a charity born out of loss, driven by the need to do better for mental health and suicide prevention through sport.

To be recognised at this level while growing something so personal is hard to describe. It makes every difficult moment, every bit of effort, feel worth it.

I’m proud. I’m grateful. And I’m only just getting started. This summer (2026) I now look to finish my Year 4 Medical school studies followed by running the entire length of Ireland and Northern Ireland… 700 kilometres!

A real pinch me moment.”

Congratulations Patrick!!