NEXT time you feel as if life's dealt you a rotten hand, and you're tempted to drop your head, give a thought to Mark Szortowski.

He's in line for a major education award after impressing lecturers at Worcester College of Technology.

But his progress there isn't the reason we risk embarrassing him by adding our admiration today. Far from it.

After the 18-year-old's mother died from cancer - shortly before he was due to start his studies in September, 2000 - he had to start looking after his younger brother and sister.

With his father working abroad, that was no small feat. But he also had to care for his elderly grandparents - and all of this while suffering from a developmental condition himself.

Most of us would have found that enough of a challenge. Not Mark. He's managed to shape a life which takes in a host of other interests and commitments too.

Indeed, the word commitment is the key to our admiration for him - and the head who employs him after his move to do a teaching degree at UCW will surely agree.

Take a look at any edition of the Evening News and you'll find tales of members of the community who've faced half as many difficulties - and some none at all - yet allowed themselves to slide into decline.

Everyone deserves at least one opportunity to find redemption, but we'd be less than honest if we didn't admit that we often despair.

Next time we're tempted to do so, though, we'll spare a thought for Mark Szortowski. We suggest you do the same. He's an example for the whole community.