The achievements of the mature students from City of Bath College have been recognised as part of this year’s national Adult Learners’ Week.
Trainee plumber Colin Garland was one of four students who received a certificate of achievement from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).
Colin suffered a major stroke at the age of just 31, which left him in hospital for two months and then in a wheelchair for weeks once he was allowed home.
The married father-of-three had to rebuild his life and career, despite continuing to suffer the physical effects of the stroke.
Now working for the Ministry of Defence on a temporary contract, Colin, 57, from Midsomer Norton, spends two days a week at College training for Level 2 Certificate in Basic Plumbing.
Colin was nominated for the awards by his lecturer, John Culley, who also suffered a stroke at a young age and was able to relate to the physical and mental challenges that the student has had to face.
Colin said: “I feel very privileged to have been recognised in the Adult Learners’ Awards. I find the course quite challenging and still have a weakness in the left side of my body and a lot of back problems too which make it difficult for me.
“I’m enjoying the course though and it will give me another skill which I hope will help me find work once my contract with the MoD is over. I haven’t been in education since I was 15, so it’s been strange to come to College at my age. All the young lads have been very good to me though. They have made me feel very welcome and shown me a lot of respect, which has helped me to relax and settle in.”
John Culley said: “Colin was able to relate to me as we both suffered strokes at a young age, something that led to me giving up my plumbing work to start teaching.
“Starting a new learning journey and learning a new trade at the age of 57, especially with the physical challenges that Colin has had to overcome, is something that deserves acknowledging and rewarding.“
The other students who received recognition in the Adult Learners’ Week awards are all studying Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualifications.
Charlotte Cox, 22, from Peasedown St John and Annita Constantiou, 45, from Frome, are both on the Level 3 Diploma, while Melissa Morgan, 45, from Bath, is working towards the Level 2 Certificate.
Having to overcome ME as a teenager, Charlotte was then forced to withdraw from her nursing degree to care for her mother, who has since passed away.
Melissa returned to College on the Supporting Teaching and Learning Course while working as a school meals assistant. As well as juggling the demands of working and studying, Melissa has raised a family and supported a son with autism.
Annita moved to Bath from Cyprus. She has supported her son through serious illness and also cares for her daughter, who suffers from mobility problems.
Charlotte and Melissa both attended the regional awards ceremony, which took place at Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier.
The trio’s tutor, Audery Tang, who also attended the awards ceremony, said: “It was a very humbling event. Melissa and Charlotte attended with their husbands who were so proud of them.
“So many adults have overcome a great deal to not only complete their studies, but to go on to inspire others. The heart-warming stories of how learning has, literally in some cases, saved people’s lives were hugely inspirational and demonstrated the real value of lifelong learning.
“I’m extremely proud of Charlotte, Annita and Melissa. They have all achieved so much and fully deserve this recognition. “
