Learning award for Liz

Liz Curry, 60, from Plymouth, has won the regional Outstanding Individual award for South West England as part of the Festival of Learning. The Festival of Learning Awards showcase and celebrate the wonderful things that individuals, families, communities and employers can achieve through learning. The Festival of Learning is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), which focuses on improving employment opportunities, promoting social inclusion and investing in skills by providing help people need to fulfil their potential.

Liz was recognised for her inspiring achievements after returning to a teenage passion; art. The last time she had painted was at 16, a skill that she did not get the opportunity to continue developing as she grew up and life progressed. In 2010 Liz contracted meningitis, and doctors were forced to amputate both her legs and her right hand in order for her to survive. The surgeons managed to save part of her left hand, but months of intensive rehabilitation ensued as she learned to walk with prosthetic legs, eventually returning to work and driving and living as independently as possible.

When Liz retired in 2015 she decided she wanted to revisit and explore her artistic talent, and began searching for art A-level courses but struggled to find one near where she lived. She eventually discovered the Workers’ Educational Association website which helped her find a local art course, and enrolled in a watercolour techniques class last September. Arriving at that first lesson without any materials and unsure whether she could even hold a paintbrush, she met a very supportive tutor who ‘thinks outside the box’.

Liz began a journey through learning which she describes as “magical” – she learned to paint with her left hand and began to impress fellow students and tutors with a natural talent and individual style.

Liz commented: “I never lost that passion for art, but it lay dormant within me for years and years. Returning to it, and thanks to the support of my tutors, a window has opened up again. I have signed up for the second year and I’m so looking forward to continuing to express myself and improve my skills as a painter.”

Stephen Evans, CEO of Learning and Work Institute, which leads the Festival of Learning Awards said: “So often we pack up our passions or dreams in a box because we have to get on with life – work, family and all sorts of other things make demands on our time and attention. And yet, Liz has shown that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

“She had unique challenges which she overcame to rekindle that passion for art – and she thrived. It’s an inspiring story for anyone who might feel nervous about returning to a learning environment and shows just how life-enriching the return can be.”