Lifetime Learner Achievement Award winners announced!

Following an emotional day packed full of filming, photography, circus skills and of course, meeting the judges, 20 finalists from across the country attended the first ever Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards ceremony on Thursday 17 November.  The finalists were joined by friends and family, as well as employers and Lifetime staff, to celebrate their achievements and hear if they were to be crowned the 2011 winner.

Hosted at the Hilton Hotel, Warwick, the awards, split into three categories (Self-funded, Academy, and Apprenticeship programmes), recognise and celebrate the learning achievements, and resulting career and personal successes, of those who have completed a qualification with training provider, Lifetime.

Founder of Lifetime, Heather Frankham, CEO David Foster and special guest Darren Campbell, Olympic Gold medallist, presented the three award winners, along with the Lifetime Learner Achievement Overall Award winner.

With a truly inspirational and moving story behind his success, 31 year old Mark Davey from Westcliff-on-Sea was crowned the Open course category and Overall winner of the 2011 Awards. David Foster, CEO at Lifetime and head judge, says: "On meeting Mark, we were simply speechless. The account he gave of his personal battles and determination to give back to those suffering similar health conditions is just phenomenal. To overcome such adversity and to now be a full time gym manager, while running his own exercise referral company, well it's just fantastic! The deserving overall winner of this year's Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards!"

21 year old Rachel Hobbs from Guildford was named as Apprenticeship programme category winner with a story of determination and passion to succeed for the sake of her young son. David comments: "The judges were in unanimous agreement that Rachel certainly has a bright and successful career ahead.  We were wowed by her incredible appetite for learning, ambition, dedication to achieving her dreams and commitment to providing the best future for her son."

The Academy category prize was scooped by Londoner Ian Perkins, a young man who has well and truly turned his life around through training. David says: "The judges were bowled over by Ian's strength of character, drive to succeed and commitment to steering others away from troubled and crime ridden lifestyles. There is no doubt that this young man will achieve his life-long goal to influence change within the fitness industry."

Heather Frankham says: "Our awards recognise how training, and the gaining of qualifications, can significantly impact upon the working lives and career aspirations of learners across the country. It is inspirational to hear how the winners' new found skills and knowledge within the industry have made a considerable difference to both their lives and those around them."

20 finalists were shortlisted for the inaugural 2011 Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards, from an impressive 130 nominations.