Stan Clark Memorial Trophy Award 2011 

Stan Clark was an active member of Aldridge and District Lions Club. He persevered against many adversities including a double hip replacement at a stage, which was too late to be really effective. The Club decided to honour the memory of Stan by an annual award known as “The Stan Clark Trophy for Perseverance and Achievement Against Adversity.”

Any child attending a school within the Aldridge and District Lions Club area who is persevering against adversity is eligible for nomination from the school.

Aldridge & District Lions Club – This year saw citations received from 4 schools within the area and the judging committee decided to make two joint winners as their achievements were both most worthy.

This award comprises a trophy to be retained by the school for 12 months plus replica trophies for the candidates.

The awards will be made at presentations on Wednesday 20th July at Shire Oak School at 8:30 am and at Leighswood School at 6:30 pm.

Details on the students receiving the awards follow and include a resume of the information submitted within the citation from the schools.

Joshua Biddle – Shire Oak School

Since the age of 8, Joshua has had multiple problems with brain haemorrhages and hemiplegia. He has had several operations over many years. He continues to attend regular appointments at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Occupational Therapists visit Joshua in school at least twice each academic year.

Josh has had to learn to use his left hand as he was previously right handed, he has coped with this admirably. Josh was also left with significant language difficulties affecting both his written and verbal skills. He has attended regular Speech and Language sessions showing motivation and determination.

Josh is a very independent student who never complains, he willingly completes all tasks which are requested of him and always gives 100%. Josh has grown in confidence and his work ethic and behaviour are excellent. Staff describe Josh as a model student and a polite, caring young man.

Josh is currently following his GCSE and BTEC courses and regularly stays at school and completes extra work at home to ensure that he is able to remain up to date with his work load.

Elliot Bennett – Leighswood School

Since the age of 6 weeks, Elliott has had numerous operations both at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and at City Hospital Birmingham. Elliott also has a Port Wine Stain on the left hand side of his face. This is actually what caused the Glaucoma as he has the birthmark in his eye.

He receives laser treatment to his face under general anaesthetic every 8-10 weeks and to date Elliott has undergone around 70 operations under general anaesthetics.

Elliott has a great sense of humour and despite all of the traumas he has faced and will continue to face, he remains a really lively and cheerful chap. He participates fully in all school activities, loves sport and is a committed member of a number of teams including the school football team. He has participated in the Aldridge Fun Run and raised money for the Friends of Moorfields Eye Hospital.