A student is studying for her PhD at the hospice’s education centre.

Loni Challis began her course with the University of Liverpool at the beginning of March.

She will be working on a project involving understanding and measuring the societal costs and consequences of palliative care for advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), what influences these, and explore potential ways to improve efficiency.

She will be based at the hospice’s Scholl Academic Centre, but will be registered with the University of Liverpool.

Mrs Challis said: ‘I am thrilled, honoured and excited to be undertaking my PhD while based on the Isle of Man and I will endeavour to ensure that the research is for local and global benefit.

‘I am very grateful for the support from Hospice Isle of Man, Scholl Academic Centre, and to the Dr Scholl Foundation enabling me to benefit from this remarkable opportunity.’

Mrs Challis’s fees are funded by a grant from the Dr Scholl Foundation.

Anne Mills, chief executive of Hospice Isle of Man, said: ‘This is a real first for our island and our relationship with the palliative care unit in Liverpool goes from strength to strength.

‘I am delighted to support Loni to undertake her PhD studies. She is an exceptional early career researcher.’