Housing worker Ryan Smith has been honoured at an awards ceremony recognising the achievements of disadvantaged young people who have succeeded against the odds.
The 20-year-old, from Bury, won the Cardinal Maritime Rising Star accolade at The Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards.
He helped care for his disabled father at home, but developed anger issues and was a victim of bullying, which all culminated in him becoming ill.
After being out of a job for 10 months, Ryan became involved with Team, a programme delivered by The Prince's Trust in partnership with Groundwork, which equips unemployed young people with the skills and confidence to find work.
After serving a placement at a PR company and embarking on a script-writing course, he gained place on a tenant employment programme 'Steps To Success' run by Six Town Housing, which manages housing stock on behalf of Bury Council.
Ryan said: "I can’t believe I’ve won. I’m literally speechless and so grateful to everything the Trust has done for me.”
Brian Hay, chief executive of Cardinal Maritime, added: “Ryan has conquered many of life’s challenges to turn his life around and he should be very proud of his achievements.”
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