Earning the equivalent of six A grades at A-level, despite holding down a part-time job and acting as Student President at his college, a man who achieved despite adversity has won a Spirit of London Award.

Alexandros Pamnani, 21, of Warwick Road, Thornton Heath picked up the Achievement Through Education section of the awards at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday October 10.

Mr Pamnani battled through serious depression following the death of his mother and leading to a slump in his education, picking up only four GCSEs.

Despite this he attended Croydon College and after four years working on vocational BTEC courses he has transformed his life.

Last year the 21-year-old won VQ UK National Regional Learner of the Year 2010 and Citizenship Champion 2010, he has attended parliament to speak on education issues and won the Ironmonger’s Scholarship, of £15,000 allowing him to afford attending Loughborough University.

Even though he is still a first year student he has won a placement next summer at Her Majesty’s Cabinet Office and Treasury.

Mr Pamnani still suffers from depression yet still uses any free time to go back and talk to students from colleges and schools to encourage them that there is not only one way to progress in education and offers any support he can.

He is currently in the process of setting up a free advice community charity where he will offer free advice to students who require guidance in areas typical careers services cannot help.