The Prince's Trust Young Achiever Award – part of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards – shines the spotlight on one exceptional young person who has turned their life around with support from The Trust. This year, the award celebrated Jay Kamiraz from Haringey, who set up a business with support from The Trust.
Credit/Copyright: www.princes-trust.org.uk
HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince’s Trust ambassador Pierce Brosnan took to the stage to present The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Award to Jay, 33, from Crouch Hill, who runs his own entertainment business and a community project called Sing to Smile.
Before approaching The Prince’s Trust, Jay had a difficult childhood, growing up in a family where no-one worked. He was bullied at school and, at the age of 16, problems at home led to him becoming homeless.
At 17, Jay was brutally attacked and put in hospital. An operation saved his life but he suffered internal injuries, which still affect him now. Jay began to get his life back on track with the help of a key worker and slowly started to build up his confidence, eventually moving into his own flat.
He also got involved in a project to raise money for Tsunami victims, bringing together singers to form a diverse choir called ‘Souls of Prophecy Gospel Choir’.
The choir was so successful Jay realized he could turn it into a business. Jay came to The Prince’s Trust for help creating JK Creative Arts Management Ltd, providing bespoke entertainment for weddings, corporate events, film and TV and other industries.
With the popular Souls of Prophecy Gospel Choir on the books, business is now booming, growing from four engagements in its first year to more than 40 in the second. He has also set up “Sing to Smile” – a community programme to help boost people’s confidence through singing.
“To win the Young Achiever award is so special to me and I can’t thank The Prince’s Trust enough,” said Jay. “I am so happy that I was able to personally thank Prince Charles for changing my life and all of the other thousands of young people The Trust has helped. I hope my story will inspire other young people that they can achieve their dreams, too.”
About the event
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards is packed with breathtaking stories of heroism and courage, uplifting and moving moments and hilarious celebrity surprises.
Every year, The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever award honors an exceptional young person who has turned their life around with help from the youth charity.
Source: Prince's Trust
