Inspire Suffolk has held its first ever awards ceremony- shining a light on the successes of its students and staff.

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The event, on Tuesday March 27, celebrated the dedication of the charity’s young people and volunteers and the important work the charity undertakes.

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Terry Baxter, CEO of Inspire Suffolk, said: “The awards showed the breadth of work we are involved in across our county and the personal stories brought home the life changing work that we are delivering on behalf of the young people in our county who are in need.”

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The Outstanding achievement award went to Jess Athorn.

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She joined Inspire Suffolk’s Prince’s Trust Team in 2013 and now, five years on, is a fully qualified gym instructor.

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The Stowmarket Team scooped the Community engagement award for transforming the garden area of the Leading Lives Stowmarket Community Hub, a local charity’s centre which supports adults with learning difficulties.

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The apprentice of the year award went to Niall Woods who now working as an apprentice sports coach at Inspire Suffolk.

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Jodie Hinks received the Inspirational Young Person Award, having led her Inspire Suffolk group on their community project at a centre supporting adults with learning disabilities.

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Sam Powell earned the Young person of the year award having joined the charity after becoming homeless.

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He now has gained full employment at a new trampoline park in Ipswich.

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The Rising Star award went to Paul Partington who progressed from an assistant team leader to the charity’s post-16 education coordinator, managing the delivery of Inspire Suffolk’s education programmes.

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The sports coaching team took away with the Inspire Suffolk Team of the year award.

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It delivers top class sports sessions, giving as many young people as possible the chance to play sport, build confidence and learn news skills.

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Stacey Foulger won the Excellence in Teaching or Coaching award.

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Stacey has been with Inspire Suffolk from the very beginning and is currently delivering her 21st Prince’s Trust programme for the charity.

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The Extra Mile ward went to Sarah Rowe for her enthusiastic dedication to charity events.

Inspire Suffolk are one of the EADT and Ipswich Star’s chosen charities of the year.