TWO young Huddersfield men have received awards from the Prince’s Trust for fighting back from difficult times.
Tom Kitchin-Dunn, 21, from Holmfirth, was named runner up in the RBS Enterprise Award at The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards.
He was honoured for overcoming barriers to create a sustainable business.
While Kyle Stansfield, 20, of Lockwood, was named runner up for the American Express Breakthrough Award, which recognises the progress of young people who have developed new skills to enable them to make positive steps to stabilise their lives.
The Examiner reported earlier this month how Tom fought back from illness, unemployment and depression to create a business.
He hatched the Chickadee Education plan, which has blossomed with the help of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme.
It started when Tom, who grew up and has worked on farms, gave a talk to school children about hatching chicks.
He developed it into a business idea and enrolled on The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme, a scheme to help young people interested in self-employment explore their ideas.
Chickadee Education now runs in schools throughout Yorkshire and teaches children about caring for animals in a practical way by rearing their own chicks and looking after chickens.
Tom said: “I’m so proud that my business has been recognised in this way.
“Without the support of The Prince’s Trust, I very much doubt I would be in the position I am today.
“I feel they completely turned my life around and I am excited for the future.”
Kyle Stansfield’s life has turned around after he experienced unemployment.
A series of rejections saw him begin to lose hope and he sought solace in substance misuse. But he knew he needed help and was referred to The Prince’s Trust Get Started with Sport programme, a scheme to boost confidence and self-esteem in young people by involving them in sports.
With the aid of a Prince’s Trust Development Award Kyle trained as a lifeguard and now has a job.
Kyle said: “I’m thrilled to be named runner-up for this award. The Prince’s Trust has helped me so much.
“My confidence has grown so much and I finally feel excited about my future.”
The Prince's Trust was founded in 1976 by Prince Charles,The Prince of Wales. Having completed his duty in the Royal Navy, His Royal Highness became dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK.
For further information visit princes-trust.org.uk.
