Mandy Carter was the overall winner for 2007 for special acheivement. She joined the Skills for Life course with little confidence and she was nervous at having to leave her small boy in Nursery.  Her lack of confidence often made her afraid to even put pen to paper.  Over time, through support from her tutor and by her own organised work methods, Mandy has overcome this brilliantly.

In the summer, Mandy produced a very moving poem entitled ‘Childhood Reminiscence’ for a creative writing competition organised by the National Trust.  Her poem deeply touched the panel and she then won first prize.  This great success certainly spurred Mandy on and she went on to write a short bedtime story for BBC Radio Derby.  This story was then turned into a laminated book for her son by tutors.
Mandy’s IT skills have also soared and she has enrolled on a computer course and is coming on in leaps and bounds.  She really is a cheerful inspiration to others.

The Key award was presented to Mandy by David Ewens, East Midlands Regional Development Officer, NIACE on behalf of West Nottinghamshire College.