These are some of Suffolk’s most inspiring young people - as highlighted by a popular awards.
For the second year running, education charity Inspire Suffolk hosted a ceremony to celebrate the amazing successes of young people who have overcome some of the biggest challenges life could have thrown at them.
Beating the likes of depression, anxiety, addiction and learning difficulties are achievements in themselves - but the event at the education charity’s base in Lindbergh Road, Ipswich gave youngsters the recognition they deserved for overcoming major challenges.
Among the winners was Dean Lambert, who struggled to integrate back into society after finding himself on the wrong side of the law - but later built a career for himself after showing true professionalism and leadership skills.
They also included Annabelle Morling - who used to have panic attacks every day but built her confidence on the charity’s Prince’s Trust team programme - and Daisy Theobald-Newman, who built a career for herself after leaving home at 16 with no qualifications and battling mental health difficulties.
Terry Baxter, chief executive of Inspire Suffolk, said: “We are extremely proud to be able to recognise and shine a light on a number of inspirational stories of our students and staff at this event.
“All of our nominees showed resilience, hard work, determination and success, which really does emphasise the importance of the work that we’re doing across the county.
“Thank you to our supporters and sponsors of the evening.”
Inspire Suffolk helps young people to build a positive future for themselves through various personal development courses guiding them into employment, education, volunteering or further training.
The ceremony on Tuesday, April 9 also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the charity’s staff, who deliver their programmes and contribute to the running of the charity.
There were two final awards acknowledging the charity’s supporters and fundraisers.
Simon Jay, of Seckford Golf Club, won the Fundraiser of the Year for his dedication in promoting charity events and raising more than £2,500 at a Strictly Charity event, with Peter Dawes IFA and Ipswich School of Dancing also shortlisted.
Andy Perrin, of Hemisphere Freight was also recognised as Supporter of the Year for his commitment to Inspire Suffolk over to past year, which has included becoming an Inspire 30 Club member, supporting the charity’s residential trips and becoming a patron.
The awards’ sponsors included EDF Energy (Sizewell C), Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, Seckford Foundation, Opus People Solutions, councillor Gordon Jones, Ipswich MP Sandy Martin, Suffolk New College, Coes and Hemisphere Freight Ltd.
Winners and nominees - student awards
? Outstanding Achievement - winner Annabelle Morling, finalists Daniel Cooke and Marylou Mayhew
? Community Engagement - winner NCS Lowestoft, finalists Colchester Team and Stowmarket Team
? Apprentice of the Year - winner Kieren Bedford, finalists Chloe Foster and Racheal Havard
? Inspirational Young Person - winner Dean Lambert, finalists Thomas Connolly and Daniel Lee-Frost
? Young Person of the Year - winner Daisy Theobald-Newman, finalists Selina Perkins and Jack Grady
Winners and nominees - staff awards
? Rising Star - winner Ashleigh Hurrell, finalists Naomi Thompson and Alex Tricker
? Team of the Year - winner Finance Team, finalists Facilities Team and Sports Team
? Excellence in Teaching and Coaching - winner Jacob Charles, finalists Neil Fox and Alex Tricker
? Extra Mile - winner Rachel Reddington, finalists Neil Fox and Lisa Ray
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