Rob Franks was recognised with a BBC Radio Solent Make a Distinction Award at Leonardo Royal Grand Resort in Southampton on September 24 for his efforts to maintain kids educated throughout the Covid lockdowns.
First fixing laptops in 2021, Rob defined that initially all of the gadgets he fastened had been donated by he labored with an organization to crowdfund over £10,000 so he may purchase computer systems to repair.
He stated: “My spouse Carla is a instructor and over lockdown, she was telling me how youngsters cannot bodily be taught with no laptop computer at dwelling as a result of they do not have one and fogeys cannot afford one.
“It opened my thoughts somewhat bit and I assumed there’s acquired to be one thing we will do to assist. I’d get laptops in, I’d refurbish them, make them like me after which give out to deprived kids and people with particular education wants.”
Now three years from when he first began, Rob nonetheless runs the operation however on a smaller scale struggling now to search out inventory.
Though pleased with his BBC award, it comes as one in all a number of recognitions that he has been given which features a British Empire Medal he was awarded in Might.
“I used to be informed again at first of September that I have been put by way of to the ultimate,” Rob added.
“I went yesterday with no expectations as a result of there have been some completely incredible individuals in there. When my title acquired referred to as out, I could not consider it.
“I actually went there to assist rejoice those who had been going to win and those who had been nominated. I nonetheless cannot comprehend being in comparison with a few of the individuals who did not win.”
Rob expressed that he’s captivated with serving to SEND kids and is disabled himself after his leg was amputated in 2018.
Rob is adamant that “the kids to have the identical alternatives that mainstream kids get” and believed the principle frustrations in the direction of SEND at the moment are the ready instances of ECHPs.