Gareth Malone was our special guest at this years Annual Awards ceremony on 19 November.     As well as presenting more than 150 certificates to clients, volunteers and staff, Gareth announced that he would be delighted to become ASCENDs first Patron.  He then went on to present ASCENDs "Achievers of the Year Awards", given to people who have overcome significant barriers in their lives.   Young Achiever of the year 2009 went to Michaela Dickinson, who is a volunteer receptionist at ASCEND and Achiever of the Year 2009 went to Sandra Meredith, who attends several ASCEND courses and has made great progress in her learning.