RADDAI Eccleston, 24, grew up in Whitehouse, a quiet fishing village in Montego Bay, where weekends were filled with football matches and family time. Even in this small coastal community, he nurtured big ambitions. Today, as a third-year dentistry student at the University of Technology, Jamaica he is working towards a career that blends science, compassion, and community impact.

He explained that his interest in dentistry began with a fascination for biology and the human body.

“What really stood out to me was how oral health connects to overall health,” he said. “Another big influence was my own experiences at the dentist when I was younger. I had a dentist, Dr Gordon, who was really patient and reassuring, especially when I was nervous about procedures. Watching how they could take something people often fear and turn it into a positive experience stayed with me.”

Dental school, Eccleston admits, has tested both his resolve and his discipline. Long hours of study, laboratory work, and clinical practice have pushed him to his limits, and there were moments when the workload felt overwhelming. Yet every challenge has been a lesson in patience and persistence, shaping him into the kind of healthcare professional he hopes to become.

Support from the MoBay Night Run Scholarship, awarded by the Howard Ward Foundation, has been transformative.

“I first heard about the foundation from a close neighbour, Shantelle Harwood. She sent me the link, and already having known Wards Power Tools and the trucks, I applied without hesitation. I was absolutely elated when I saw that I was a recipient. A deep sense of relief and gratitude was all I could process. It is truly a blessing,” he said.

The scholarship has eased both financial and mental pressures.

“Dental school requires long hours of studying, laboratory work, and clinical preparation, which makes it difficult to take on significant part-time work,” he explained. “Knowing that I have support allows me to dedicate more time to my coursework, clinical development, and preparing for exams rather than worrying about covering certain academic expenses.”

One of his proudest moments came during an early clinical session with a patient. What may have seemed routine to a more experienced student felt monumental to him, a tangible reminder of why he chose this path. Experiences like these have reinforced the values he carries: patience, precision, and dedication.

Eccleston’s ambitions extend beyond his own career. He hopes to give back to his community through oral health education, school visits, and outreach programmes, teaching families how to prevent dental problems before they arise.

“Educating people early can empower them to take care of their own oral health,” he said.

To other young Jamaicans considering dentistry, he offered encouragement. “It is possible, even though the journey can be challenging. Dentistry is very rewarding, but it requires commitment, discipline, and patience. Growth comes with time and persistence. You do not have to be perfect from the beginning, you just have to keep learning and improving.”

Eccleston also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and supporters of the MoBay Night Run.

“Your dedication and generosity make opportunities like this scholarship possible. More than financial assistance, it shows how a community can invest in the future of young people. Knowing that so many individuals are willing to support students in achieving their educational goals is incredibly motivating,” he explained.

For students like Eccleston, the MoBay Night Run is more than a race. It is a bridge between ambition and opportunity, a reminder that with community support, even the loftiest dreams can take root and flourish.

As Montego Bay continues to rebuild momentum, the Mobay Night Run, which took place on April 4 at Harmony Beach Park, merged culture, wellness, and social investment in one experience. One hundred per cent of proceeds will support the foundation’s education initiatives, including scholarships for secondary and tertiary students and recovery efforts of Anchovy High post-Hurricane Melissa.