Former football star helps award NEW College staff (From Redditch Advertiser)

Former football star helps award NEW College staff

11:26am Wednesday 8th July 2009

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NEW College celebrated its third annual Outstanding Staff Awards at its Redditch campus with former England footballer and charity fundraiser Geoff Thomas presenting the prizes.

The awards recognise where staff have made an outstanding contribution to the work of the college over the last academic year, with nominations being made by students, employers and colleagues.

The ceremony began with a vocal performance by national diploma in performing arts student Sophie Thompson and college tutor Phillip Pywell, followed by the awards presentation and an open air buffet lunch for all college staff.

Guest of honour Geoff Thomas, who played for Wolves, Crystal Palace and England, presented the awards and talked about his charity work. Geoff was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 and, following a bone marrow transplant, has gone on to set up the Geoff Thomas Foundation which raises money for blood cancer research.

At the ceremony, college principal Neil Bromley presented Mr Thomas with a cheque for £1,500 for his foundation with staff contributing an additional £500 in a collection during the event.

A total of 16 awards were made in categories that included innovation, learning support, leadership and skills for life.

Catherine Caseley, the award winner in the supporting learning needs category,said: “The ceremony was a super event and it was a real honour to meet an inspirational man like Geoff.”

Mr Bromley praised all the winners and all staff for their achievements and added: “It has been another highly successful year here at North East Worcestershire College for staff as well as students.”

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