A Croydon College NVQ student, who was plagued with serious health setbacks throughout her qualification, has been commended for her determined achievement.

Amanda Frith, from New Addington, was one of the students whose successes in their work-based NVQs were celebrated at an Annual Achievers' Award Ceremony earlier this month.

Croydon College hosted the event on April 7, now

in its seventh year, honouring 30 students for the

completion of their qualifications and to collect their certificates.

Amanda, 46, managed to complete her course for

the NVQ Level Two in Administration, despite suffering a number of health problems.

While on the programme, Amanda fell ill with pneumonia and had to take six weeks off work to recover. She also had to have half of her thyroid removed.

About 10 months later Amanda discovered a lump in her breast.

She was referred to the local hospital where she had a lumpectomy within six weeks.

Following the operation Amanda had to have four months of chemotherapy and then six weeks of daily radiotherapy, during which she lost all her hair.

Despite the obvious discomfort of this treatment Amanda still managed to work one week in three and continued building her portfolio for the NVQ.

Amanda said: "I was determined to carry on and lead as normal a life as possible and this included studying for my NVQ.

"I received so much support from friends, family and assessors at the college. I finished all my treatment in November 2002 and now have to go back to the hospital for six-monthly reviews and a yearly mammogram."

"My first review is in May but all my hair has grown back and I am feeling great."

Tricia Ebdon, who was one of Amanda's assessors on the course, was pleased to see Amanda at the ceremony.

She said: "I am in constant admiration of Amanda because despite everything she never gave up."

April 30, 2003 12:30