In May 2006 Adam Wright and Terry Buff - from Shaw Trust's Learning Through Horticulture project based at Bridge Farm Nurseries in Lincolnshire - were finalists in the Learning and Skills Council region Learner of the Year award. The competition was fierce but Terry won through to become overall winner in his age group – he has achieved an NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture qualification.
Terry's had health problems since birth and has overcome his epilepsy to become an inspiration to other students.
And things go even better when Adam found out he had been awarded Achiever of the Year award. Here's what he had to say:
"Earlier in the year, Shaw Trust nominated me and Terry to win an award. It was for the Learner of the Year Award, to be held in a posh hotel in Lincoln.
"So on May 25th, a mini-bus took us to the Pride of Lincoln hotel, where we were up against some strong competition. We all got a certificate and pen set.
"Terry won his age group, and then they started announcing the overall Achiever of the Year award. They began by reading out what the nominators had written about the winner, no name at this stage.
"When we realized it was me we were all extremely shocked, including my mum, who was in tears.
"When I went up to collect my award, I was shocked even more. They gave me a brand new laptop. To top this off, we were both in the paper, and on television".
Adam was involved in a very serious road traffic accident, and works with Shaw Trust to improve his confidence and speech.
Pat Jackson, O.B.E. the Skills for Life Quality Initiative Co-ordinator said:
"The panel of judges was overwhelmed by Adam's story, and he is a clear winner.
"These awards recognise the huge dedication and commitment Shaw Trust students have made to overcome their difficulties".
