Award winners

Our award winners highlight the vast array of people who gain so much from learning as adults.

Their stories truly inspire all of us

They help us recognise that learning is transformational, exciting, rewarding and possible at any age, for any reason and can be for all of us.

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2024

Patron's Award

After a sudden life changing illness left him blind and paralysed, Farhad joined the New Beginnings programme at University of East London. He excelled at the course, making incredible progress physically, personally and academically. He quickly progressed to a BSc Banking and Finance and has now secured a highly competitive internship with Barclays Bank.

Farhad Hussain

Patron's award

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2023_07_05_L&W_Awards_2023-0610

2023

Patron's Award

Margaret was referred to the DigitALL project when she expressed regret over never putting on an art show of her own. Margaret’s determination to achieve this personal goal led her to successfully organise the whole event, complete with an online landing page and accompanying social media presence. 

Margaret Porta

Patron's Award

Meet the winner
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2022

Patron's Award

Mica had a challenging experience of school and continuing education as an adult, but things began to turn around for Mica when she found her love of learning and passion to become a teacher. Since then, she has flown through numerous courses in education.

Mica Jayne Coleman Jones

Patron's Award

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Male sat table with laptop female sat in background, both looking to camera

2021

Patron's Award

Matthew has autism, which has unfortunately held him back in his education and employment. Having reached his early thirties, Matthew decided to take his first step back into learning, pursuing his passion for travel and tourism.

Matthew Turner

Patron's Award

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Head shot of female in outdoor space

2020

Patron's Award

Education had been a negative experience for Hannah in the past and she had left school when she was 13 as a result of bullying. At age 28, motivated by a desire to better support her children with their school work, she decided it was the right time for her to return to learning.

Hannah Wilkins

Patron’s Award winner

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Male using machinery in workshop

2019

Patron's Award

Michael grew up in care and was struggling to find his place in the world. Following a reconciliation with his birth family he discovered that his father, brother and sister were all studying at university and he was motivated to work hard to achieve the same for himself.

Michael Shakil

Patron's Award

Meet the winner