Aspiration Awards 2023: Against All Odds Highly Commended – Cerys Ventre

The Against All Odds category recognises a learner who has overcome difficult personal circumstances to achieve success. This year’s highly commended recipient is Cerys Ventre, a student at New College Durham who continues to demonstrate outstanding determination, perseverance and a deep desire to give back to society. 

Cerys is a remarkable learner who has overcome immense personal difficulties to pursue her dream of a career in adult social care. In fact, her decision to study the Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care qualification was a choice that Cerys made following her desire to “give something back” after her own personal experience.  

Cerys had a difficult childhood, spending a considerable amount of time in the hospital due to her medical condition. She has cerebral palsy which affects her lower limbs and is partially sighted, which means that she needs one-to-one assistance throughout the day to move around the college.  

During her last year of school, Cerys missed three months of her education due to poor renal function and a kidney transplant, and this loss of learning resulted in Cerys falling behind her peers. Yet, despite these challenges, Cerys has remained determined to achieve her aspiration of providing care for others. 

Resilient and determined 

Instead, Cerys has made excellent academic progress, demonstrating perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Her tutors and those who support her cannot speak highly enough of her positive attitude when it comes to learning. 

Faye Guy, a Public Health Practitioner at New College Durham, said: “Possessing a natural curiosity for learning and always engaging enthusiastically with all elements of her course, Cerys is a conscientious and hardworking student who always strives to achieve her best. 

“She is keen to complete tasks and participates actively in all aspects of her learning, and her achievements are all the more impressive given the significant personal challenges she has faced throughout her life.” 

Giving something back 

Cerys’ academic progress has been exceptional, and she is on track to pass her Level 1 qualification. Looking ahead, she has been offered a conditional place on the Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care at New College Durham – a testament to her dedication and commitment to her studies. 

Faye couldn't speak highly enough of Cerys’ attitude to learning and life: “Cerys’ story is one of remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her passion for helping others and giving back to society is truly inspiring and a testament to her selflessness and compassion. 

“She is a truly exceptional individual who has shown that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and are confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others.” 

Philip Le Feuvre, Chief Strategy Officer at NCFE and category judge said: “Cerys is an exceptional individual, who has battled many challenges in order to undertake an Adult Social Care qualification that will see her helping others in her community. She has faced many barriers whilst on her learning journey and yet is on track to succeed and progress to further learning.” 

Congratulations Cerys! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners and recipients, visit our Aspiration Awards 2023 page. 

Against All Odds Highly Commended 2023: Cerys Ventre