Aspiration Awards 2025: Against All Odds - Anya Clair

Designed to recognise learners who have overcome difficult personal circumstances to succeed in their studies, the Against All Odds award is very special and always attracts a huge volume of nominations. This year’s winner is Anya Clair, whose education was interrupted by a car accident that resulted in severe physical and cognitive injuries.  

Facing the challenge 

Anya is an exceptional student whose journey embodies the very essence of perseverance. Having originally joined the City of Wolverhampton College in 2022 to study the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care, her path was tragically interrupted by a severe car accident that resulted in a brain injury.  

Despite a grim prognosis, including the prediction that she might never walk again, and facing significant cognitive impairment and blindness in one eye, Anya returned to college a year later with an unwavering determination to complete her qualification.  

This remarkable feat was achieved despite severe short-term memory loss, which made lessons – particularly maths – incredibly challenging. While frustration sometimes led to changes in her behaviour and absences, Anya’s commitment to education remained. She bravely faced the challenge, driven by a desire to complete the course that had been interrupted by her accident. 

Testament to her strength 

Now in 2025, Anya is continuing her education and has been inspired by those who looked after her following her accident, especially the nurses in intensive care. She is keen to support others who have faced similar experiences, demonstrating her empathy and desire to give back.  

Despite ongoing medical appointments, her attendance in English and maths has been exemplary and is a testament to her dedication. After receiving ungraded results in English and maths last year, despite achieving previous grades of a three and two, Anya's hard work is paying off. Her recent English mock exam shows that she is on track to regain her grade 3, and her maths mock result is also promising.  

Watch Anya's story and discover the moment she learned she was the Against All Odds winner for 2025:

Her attitude towards learning has undergone a remarkable transformation. Her determination to overcome her disabilities and her physical recovery, including regaining her ability to walk, is a testament to her strength. 

A truly deserving winner 

Anya’s commitment extends to her attending weekly sessions by the organisation Headway – a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. Its collaboration with the college to support her cognitive function further demonstrates her proactive approach to overcoming the challenges she has faced.  

Despite the difficulties with information retention, Anya continues to excel and has passed all assignments, showcasing her resilience and dedication.  

As her English tutor notes: "She is working well. She is remembering small things in class and now can attempt each question. This progress, combined with her unwavering spirit, makes Anya a truly deserving winner. Her story is an inspiration and a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can triumph over adversity."  

Congratulations Anya! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2025 page. 

Pictured: Our Against All Odds 2025 winner, Anya Clair