.....I didn't mention earlier that its been 14months since I left the lab and now have a full time job which I love and so couldn't possibly return. I tried for 2months to write up and realised it was not working after which I was totally broke and had to get a job. This week is the first time my supervisor has even tried to contact me regarding my thesis since my last visit to the lab for help a year ago when all he said was 'i thought you'd left'!!!!!

Anyway, thanks again and i will certainly keep you updated with how things go. If anyone does have further advice on how to handle the situation be happy to hear it.

Thankyou for your replies & support, I certainly dont feel as guitly now.

I emailed the MRC and got the following response:
"The MRC does not have any particular rule on claiming back money if a thesis isn’t submitted. However, your university is responsible for the administering of your funding so we would leave that decision up to them. May I suggest you talk to your funding co-ordinator at the university, for advice on where your institution stands regarding this?"......

I was funded by the MRC for 3years and recieved a 6month extension of funds on the provision that i write my thesis after this period. After careful thought and personal reasons (both finance, health and acedemic) i could not complete the write up. I did not enjoy my PhD and did not receive personal or professinoal support or development from my supervisor. In fact the opposite, no encouragment or praise, i was told on numerous occasions that i didn't have enough data to write up. (i had data in 2publications but also felt that i needed at least a year extra work for which i wouldn't be funded)

Now my supervisor says that if the MRC knew they would make me pay back the extension funding and that he is suprised that i would not write up as i had sufficient data. He wrote me a terrible letter saying i would be to blame for a long list of consequences on both myself and him.

The advice i need is where do i stand? will i have to pay back funds? should i be feeling this huge amount of guilt that has been piled on me?

Thanks,
Trouble ex-student