Adult Learners' Week winner is Student of the Year Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 16:43

Thomas Birch, aged 21, from Heanor, beat all odds of surviving an accident during his time as a Marine in Afghanistan and after learning to walk and talk again, is now a qualified gym instructor.

His dedication and commitment to learning has been recognised twice this year; once with an Outstanding Regional Individual Award as part of Adult Learners' Week in May 2009 and more recently with the AoC Student of the Year 2009 award.

Thomas 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.

He 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."