Sports award honourin memory of Thomas

Thomas Theyer, a former student at the college, died after a fall while out running last July and his family have since set up the Thomas Theyer Sports Awards in his memory.

The first award was presented by Thomas’ father Alan at the college’s Devonshire Dome campus last week.

Young people with learning disabilities who are studying on the college’s Learning for Living and Work programme voted for their favourite sports personality from a shortlist of five students, with Daniel Gregory from Buxton emerging as the maiden winner.

Alan, whose son Thomas had a keen interest in sport, said: “I think it’s really great that students and staff have set up this award ceremony.

“It’s been a very difficult year for our family but we wanted to do something to keep the memories of Thomas alive and I am proud to be here today to see so many students who enjoy sport and to present the first recipient of the Thomas Theyer Award.”

Certificates were also presented to individual members of the college’s boccia and football teams with special guest and Chapel paralympian Anthony Kappes MBE on hand to congratulate the winners.

Anthony told the students: “My own background in sport is distinctly average. I started off running and was always middle of the field but I really loved it and only gave up after my visual impairment caused me to run into a tree.

“By accident I found myself on the back of a tandem and, although it took away the freedom I had enjoyed while running, it gave me back my ability to find where my limits are. And, best of all, it was fun. My message to you all today is to focus on sport as being about having fun because, while you are having fun, nothing else matters.”