Lee Harding, who is registered blind, did not let his disability hold him back when he left Henshaws and returned home to the North East.

Whilst at college Lee took part in employability training, work experience and Young Enterprise activities which laid the foundations for his progression.

Despite significant competition, Lee secured a place on a Supported Internship with Newcastle Hospitals Trust delivered in partnership with Gateshead College, where he now receives coaching in the workplace.

Theresa, Lee’s mum said: “Lee has become a lot more independent and is much more confident. He can do more things for himself and it was wonderful to see him being able to do things like going to the pub with his mates and having the same experiences as other young people do at his age.”