A STOURBRIDGE woman has not let a life-changing injury get in the way of success after picking up an award for outstanding achievement in adult learning.

Sarah Allington, 26, has won the ‘Central England Learning for Work’ award as part of the Learning and Work Institute’s Festival of Learning.

In 2011, as a result of an industrial accident, Sarah suffered an injury that caused mobility issues, including partial paralysis in her left leg and weakness and sensation issues in her left arm and hand.

The accident left her in constant pain and unable to stay in her job, but looking for something creative to help with her recovery, Sarah attended a silver jewellery making class at the adult education centre in Wolverhampton.

Since then, Sarah has developed the skills to start up her own successful creative business producing handmade silver jewellery and greetings cards, called Sarah Ellen Designs.

Her success culminated in the Festival of Learning award, which showcases and celebrates the things that learning can achieve for individuals, families, communities and employers.

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, said: “Every year we receive hundreds of inspirational stories about adults who have achieved incredible things as a result of them returning to learning.

“Sarah’s story encompasses what the Festival of Learning is all about - people achieving their learning and career ambitions through determination, passion and hard work and then using this to inspire others”.