A Kingston University graduate, who previously only performed her music anonymously, has decided to exclusively reveal her identity to The River, ahead of her Valentine’s Day single release.
Mary-Anne Dugan, who studied at Kingston between 2020 and 2023 has credited the university and their support in helping her rebuild her life.
Originally from Newport, Wales, Dugan grew up with long-term physical and emotional challenges. Born with congenital heart conditions, she lives with three holes in her heart and requires regular medical reviews. While this added further pressure when she was studying, Dugan had support during her degree at Kingston University.
The university paired Dugan with a mental health mentor throughout her studies, which were made particularly difficult with the Covid-19 lockdown. The pandemic triggered Dugan’s complex mental health needs.
“Having someone on my side helped me find my way,” Dugan said. “I am extremely grateful for the support I had while studying at Kingston University, the services, teachers, mental health support and the community. They are supportive and changed my life.”
The 26-year-old recalled a tough childhood that “was marked by instability and trauma, which led to serious mental health difficulties.”
It was also this KU mentor who suggested to Dugan that she started volunteering with Save the World, which she began doing after she completed her BA Drama and Creative Writing degree in 2023.
“I wasn’t dealing with everything alone anymore,” Dugan added.
A year later, she met producer, manager and mentor John Hewlett through voluntering, and together, they became ‘MaryAianne and Me’, releasing new music every week since October last year.
“She would write lyrics when she was struggling emotionally,” said Hewlett. “That became her way of processing what she had been through.”
Now more confident in her songwriting prowess, Dugan says she now wants her story to be known, in the hope of encouraging other students to seek support.
“I am not hiding anymore,” she said. “Kingston University and the community helped turn my life around.”
Beyond music, practical support has also been central to her recovery. With the help of Save The World, she moved from a temporary accommodation into a permanent home.
Now, she is releasing her 21st song, titled Perfect Valentine in order to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.
“I feel proud now,” she says. “Studying at Kingston University helped me to become stronger.
Looking ahead, Dugan plans to continue developing her music and work towards her first album.
“This is about healing,” she says. “And using my songs to support others facing similar challenges.
“The right help is here, and it can change your life.”