Mon 19th December, 2011
The second annual Steven Henly Award for Outstanding Commitment has been awarded to student PE teacher Martin Wragg at the University of Bedfordshire.
Martin is a mature student who started his BA (Hons) Physical Education leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) course after nearly five years in the RAF.
Martin left the RAF to fulfil a lifelong ambition to become a teacher and is now in his third year. He said: “I have a burning passion for both sport and teaching and I want young people to learn the same things from PE that I have - confidence, self-esteem, physical fitness and the appreciation of teamwork.”
The Award is given in memory of Steven Henly, a student at the University’s Bedford campus who died of a rare form of cancer just a few weeks after his 21st birthday in July 2008.
Steven was liked and respected by all who knew him and as a tribute his parents, Zahra and Bob, have set up an annual cash prize at the University which is given to a third-year student who shows the same commitment and dedication to sport as Steven did.
A trophy and £500 was presented to Martin by Zahra and Bob at a special ceremony attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL.
Martin said: “I will use the award for a number of activities. I’m now able to take my Level 1 Rugby Union coaching badge, to improve my rugby teaching. I also plan to take a trampolining course run by the University, so I can offer something a bit different as a teacher.
“The rest of the money is for the ‘Inspire Malawi’ fund - I hope to raise enough to go and teach PE in Malawi for ten days next year. My housemate and I are organizing a team climb on an indoor climbing wall to the equivalent height of Mount Everest to raise funds too.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “Martin is a very worthy winner and it gives me great pleasure to be here. He has an impressive track record of raising funds for charity as well as showing an exceptional commitment to his chosen career.”
Latest news» 2011» December» RAF serviceman turned student teacher honoured with award
