A Nantwich student who left school without being able to read or write has won a regional award.
Laura Mockford was named winner of an Open College Network West Midlands Region (OCNWMR) Access to Higher Education Learner Award.
The awards celebrate students who show outstanding commitment to their studies.
Laura, who won £500, is an OCN Access to HE Diploma student at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
Despite learning to read and write just eight years ago, the 24-year-old is planning to study for a Foundation Degree in Agriculture at Reaseheath.
Laura missed out on two years of secondary education due to health reasons and bullying and left with just one qualification in IT.
She and husband Clive, her full-time carer, moved to Nantwich so Laura could follow her passion.
Reaseheath tutors were so impressed with the way Laura has overcome her challenges, they put forward her name for the award.
Course manager Jayne Cawood: “Her story should encourage anyone who would like to re-enter education.
“She and her husband have moved hundreds of miles so she could attend Reaseheath and work towards her OCN Diploma. Laura is determined to progress onto a Foundation Degree and has enormous enthusiasm and commitment to further study.”
Laura added: “This journey has been a long process and it has taken me two years to get to a place where I felt confident and comfortable with being in a learning environment.
“Attending college has provided me with the opportunity to meet new people and socialise with friends. I am truly grateful for this chance to prove to myself, and to those who doubted me, that I can and will succeed.”
Pictured: Laura Mockford receives her £500 cheque from Jayne Cawood.
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