Nathan Freeman is one of three Loughborough College students named as finalists in the Leicester Mercury Young Achievers Awards 2014.
Shortlisted for the Breakthrough Award, the 22 year old with a range of challenging physical difficulties which have so far seen him undergo more than 40 surgeries, was nominated for his enthusiasm and determination and “putting a smile on everyone’s face.”
Nominator Dawn Herberts, who is Programme Area Lead for Loughborough College’s Transitions programme, said Nathan “does not let his physical limitations get him down.” He consistently builds on his skills, took the lead in a theatre production and embraced the role of ambassador for users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication aids, speaking to a range of professionals and manning a stand at a Loughborough University event.
Nathan was born with Apert Syndrome, is registered blind and has multiple disabilities including fused fingers, hearing impairment and speech impairment – for which he relies on the AAC device.
Dawn Herbersts described staff and students alike speaking highly of Nathan and added: “He is a positive and cheerful young man and inspires everyone with his mantra that everything is ‘marvellous, smashing and delicious.’”
Nigel Grainger and Rowan Mawby, amongst the first ever students on the UK’s only 16+ Space Engineering course – which was launched by Loughborough College in association with the National Space Centre - have been shortlisted for the Science and Mathematics Achievement Award.