Cartridge World Office Supplies & Printing in East Lancashire sponsored the ‘Special School Pupil of the Year Award’.
Darren Turner and Thomas Brown
The UK store group sponsored Lancashire Evening Telegraph’s ‘Special School Pupil of the Year Award’, which forms part of the newspaper’s 11 ‘School’s Awards’ in the English county. The yearly awards “celebrate the brightest and best schools, pupils and staff in the local area”, with the winner of the Cartridge World-sponsored award named as 15-year old Thomas Brown.
Brown suffers from mild learning disabilities, and attends Ridgwood Community High School in Burnley, with his headteacher Frances Entwistle nominating him. Brown was presented with the award at the Gala Awards Evening in the county, which “attracted 150 guests”, and Cartridge World Office Supplies & Printing Solutions owner Darren Turner also judged four of the categories.
He stated of Brown: “He’s an amazing and inspiring young man who doesn’t let disability get in the way of his ambitions. Since the last Paralympic Games he’s been determined to break into the GB swimming team. That’s meant twice daily, two-hour training sessions in the pool. He’s up at 4.00am and when he’s finished then heads off to school.
[adrotate banner=”248″]
“He’s also a school sports ambassador, encouraging other pupils to follow his lead. Thomas’ dedication has paid off because he’s now been selected for the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) British Talent Programme. It’s been a massively positive experience. My congratulations go to all the award winners. There’s some great work being done in our local schools by teachers and students at every level from primary through to secondary. I’ve enjoyed the experience immensely.”
The East Lancashire franchise reported in March that it would close its three stores, as operations “will be consolidated into one ‘centrally-controlled unit’”.