A HUDDERSFIELD man is celebrating after winning an award for achieving success against incredible odds.
Iftikar Hussain, 24, fought to gain qualifications as a gym instructor despite having spina bifida and being in a wheelchair.
Now he has won the Prince's Trust regional young achiever award.
Iftikar, of Thornton Lodge Road, Thornton Lodge, was helped by the charity to study for his instructor's exams.
He was given a development award to help him achieve the goal.
Now his dream is to open his own gym, specialising in help for people with disabilities or medical conditions.
Iftikar decided to pursue a career in fitness after joining his local gym.
He said: "I can't believe I have won this award.
"It's really made me realise how far I've come."
Iftikar turned to the Prince's Trust for help when cash barriers and transport problems stood in his way.
He said: "Thanks to all the support I received from the Prince's Trust, I have the confidence and motivation to achieve so much more with my life."
He received his award at a Celebrate Success event held at the Queen's Hotel in Leeds as part of the Prince's Trust 30th anniversary.
It was presented to him by Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth, who plays Donna Windsor in the soap.
Iftikar fought off stiff competition from three other finalists to win the Nestlé Young Achiever of the Year award.
Peter Branson, Prince's Trust regional director, said: "Many young people are branded as hoodies or layabouts.
"But thousands of young people have turned their lives around and had a positive contribution in their local communities without any recognition."
