Thomas is national student of the year
Former South Nottingham College student Thomas Birch has been named the Association of College's (AoC's) "Student of the Year" 2009. He was presented his award at the AoC's annual conference in Birmingham in November 2009. It is the second time in three years a South Nottingham College student has won the award after Hairdressing student Debbie Ball was awarded the top prize in 2007.
Thomas Birch, aged 21, from Heanor, beat all odds of surviving an accident during his time as a Marine in Afghanistan. He suffered a severe head injury in an accident in his jeep in November 2006 and his chance of survival was touch and go. He was transferred, first, to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and then his parents were flown out to Oman to the specialist Brain Injury Unit. Despite the seriousness of his injuries and the fact that he has no memory of his time in Afghanistan, Thomas has – after a lengthy rehabilitation – learned to walk and talk again.
Thomas enrolled at South Nottingham College in 2008 and has since completed Level 2 and 3 Personal Trainer courses and is one of four students to be shortlisted for the final from hundreds of entries from across the country.
Thomas has since worked as a personal trainer and devotes a lot of time volunteering for the charity, Headway, to help people who have suffered severe brain injuries, like himself, to realise that lives can be rebuilt and something can be made of life after suffering such a trauma.
Thomas said: "I was delighted to hear that I had been nominated in the first place but when I found out I had won, I was made up! It was a complete surprise and I hope my misfortune can be an inspiration to other people. I would like to thank all the staff at South Nottingham College for their support especially Bridgette Jones, Vickie Tring and Lisa Dzierzak."
College lecturer Bridgette Jones said: "Thomas is a remarkable individual with drive, ambition and commitment to excel in his studies. His confidence grew massively from his time at South Nottingham College and I am very proud to have been one of his tutors."
Thomas's dedication and commitment to learning was recognised by NIACE with an Outstanding Regional Individual Award during Adult Learners' Week in May 2009.
Image above: Steve Braund, Operations Manager, for award sponsors Capita, Tony Alderman, Chair of the AoC Governors' Council, winner Thomas Birch and comedienne Shappi Khorsandi.