Celebrating achievements

On 16th September, Alex's amazing achievements and hard work at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre The Chantry were celebrated at an online award ceremony hosted by the national training provider, Qube Learning, where he was recognised as Higher Apprentice of the Year.

The inspiring occasion was compered by the legendary Gold Medallist and World Record Holder, Colin Jackson CBE, who said:

“It was such an honour to give Alexander his award. He has shown commitment and drive, and really deserves this label. The programmes help create opportunities that carve out positive paths for people that never thought it possible.”

“Receiving the Higher Apprentice of the Year award is truly one of my greatest achievements”

Alexander says: “Receiving the Higher Apprentice of the Year award is truly one of my greatest achievements. Presented with personal and professional challenges along the way, Qube and Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre The Chantry motivated me to succeed and stay focused, they really saw my capabilities and encouraged me to keep going.”

After years in the Royal Airforce, working at RMBI Court in Bury St Edmunds and always interested in care, Alex started his Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship as a mature student at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre The Chantry. Once he had joined the team there, he witnessed firsthand the wonderful work of their physiotherapists and occupational health therapists, who only helped fuel his interest in care even more.

Later, whilst volunteering at The Chantry, an activities supervisor role came up which Alexander applied for and he was soon working full time at the charity as an apprentice, living out his goal to help and support others during the most difficult times of their lives while gaining a broad, wide-reaching skill set within healthcare.

Having survived a stroke, Alexander was also able to utilise his personal experience at work, where he promoted stroke recovery and could offer greater empathy with individuals who had themselves had similar challenges in their lives.

“For anyone looking to start an apprenticeship, stand up with your head held high, live the moment and embrace the opportunity”

After his own journey as an apprentice, Alex said: “For anyone looking to start an apprenticeship, stand up with your head held high, live the moment and embrace the opportunity.”

Alex's Qube Skills tutor, Susie Hayho, praised his hard work and passion:

“Alex is the friendliest and most caring guy. His eagerness and determination to improve the lives of his service users is second to none.  He has made invaluable changes to the activities department of which he operates, which have become nothing short of life changing for the service users. 

“Despite a challenging balance of home life and work, Alex’s sheer determination ensured he completed his apprenticeship on time and he has often commented on how this qualification has changed him, his role and his life.  He even used the words 'a dream come true' – and we all hope the award adds to that as well.”

Find out more information on Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre The Chantry, the expert neurological care they provide and ways you can help support them to continue to be there when it matters most.