Single dad triumphs at award ceremony

The ceremony, held at the Copthorne Hotel, near Gatwick, celebrated the role learning and skills play in lives of individuals, the success of businesses and the wellbeing of communities, and was hosted by Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two presenter, Claudia Winkleman.

Accepting his award, Stefan, 41, praised the support he had received from his learning provider, Sussex Downs College, and employer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, but dedicated his victory to his mum, Rita, who attended the ceremony with him.

He said: "This is a great achievement for me and I know how proud it has made her."

Stefan, who works as a technical instructor with the Trust, runs a cafe and shop called Badgers Corner, at Ashen Hill, which serves as a rehabilitation project for people with mental health issues.

Having spent most of his career in the catering industry Stefan approached the Trust to do a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in retail in order for him to to provide the best possible training to service users.

Praising Stefan for his hard work and determination, regional director of LSC South East, Marinos Paphitis said: "Stefan is not just an exemplary learner, he's an exemplary member of the community.

It was his commitment to an inclusive society that prompted him to return to learning, despite having had a difficult time at school and already having to juggle the responsibilities of single parenthood and a full time job. He also chose to add to his learning load by brushing up on his maths and English with Skills for Life classes."

He added: "Stefan pulled the difficult task he had set himself in fine style, maintaining his enthusiasm throughout and impressing everyone he came into contact with."

For further information on LSC visit the website at: www.lsc.gov.uk/southeast