Celebrating Success with the Prince

March 02 2010

Yesterday I had the privilege to be invited to the Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards. For me this year, there was something a little more special than seeing the young people receive their awards. This year, one young person who was supported not only by the Prince’s Trust, but also by Sport England’s Respect Athlete Mentoring Programme. Karen Mclaughlin has had a troubled life, finding herself at a very young age involved in serious drugs. After a serious health concern, having been asked to leave home at the age of 16, Karen turned to the Prince’s Trust for help. It was through the Prince’s Trust that Karen had the fortune to meet her RAMP Mentor Nick Gillingham. They have worked together now for the last 18 months pulling pieces of Karen’s life back together enabling her to have the best chance at a new start.

For me, seeing Karen win the national award last night made me realise how important it is that everyone has the opportunity to feel they have achieved. There are so many young people who miss out on this opportunity by not getting GCSEs or completing school, and their self esteem is so low. Karen’s ability to turn her life around far exceeds all the achievements I have ever made, which makes me feel so proud of having been even slightly involved in her success. She had the honour of receiving the award from HRH The Prince of Wales himself after hearing Sir Michael Caine announce her as the winner.

Congratulations Karen!