Prince's Trust honour Bristol people how turned lives around

People from Bristol and Yate swept the board at The Prince's Trust Celebrate Success Awards last night.

Jake Hunt, Tony Curtis, Badou Sisay, Erica Thomas, and Asha Vijendran were all praised by the Prince of Wales at Bristol's Thistle Grand Hotel.

Jake, 16, of Yate, won the Educational Achiever Award sponsored by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and South West Fire and Rescue Services. He virtually stopped going to school because he was being bullied and his prospects were not good.

He had no plans for the future and problems at home meant he would often spend the night out of the house.

When Jake came to King Edmund School in Yate he was assigned to the XL programme, an alternative curriculum for pupils aged 14-16 at risk of underachieving, playing truant or being excluded.

His attendance improved dramatically and the XL team- building exercises helped him to relate to other people.

He realised the importance of education and his aspirations grew. He took his maths and English GCSEs, as well as gaining a silver award in XL.

Jake is now much happier and is going on to study a land and environment course at Filton College.

He said: "It was really strange hearing my name. I have been saying for months I wasn't going to win so it was a surprise. I feel really proud."

The man who helped him, Tony Curtis, 37, also of Yate, collected the Britannia Royal Naval College Inspiring Leader Award for his work with underachieving pupils.

His passion and drive on the XL course motivates the teens in his classroom and he ensures all of his students go on to further education: "It was great to win but I was more pleased Jake won, especially as his family are here."

One of Tony's colleagues, Val Faulkner, said: "Tony has been a massive support to me since we first met. As an XL leader, he is inspirational and deserves the recognition."

Badou Sisay, 19, of Cheltenham Road in Bristol, won the University of the West of England Young Achiever of the Year Award. He is from Gambia and came to Britain aged 15 after being orphaned.

Settling in Bristol was difficult for the teenager as he did not have any support networks around him. His GCSE results were not good enough for him to go to college and he couldn't see how life would improve.

Knowing he needed to get a job, but without any training or work experience, Badou applied to The Prince's Trust and signed up for the Get into Customer Service course.

Badou's self-confidence grew on the course, and with the help of a Prince's Trust mentor he completed a Diploma in Business and went on to study for a National Business Diploma.

He said: "I was surprised and speechless. It means so much to me as it's the first thing I have ever won."

Erica Thomas, 67, of Hotwells, won the Smith and Williamson Volunteer of the Year Award for helping young people make a success of their lives over the past eight years.

Erica acts as a mentor supporting young entrepreneurs in their first few years of business. Over the last year she has also become a progression mentor, supporting people who have recently finished short vocational courses with The Prince's Trust.

Erica said: "I was delighted to win. The other candidates seemed much more worthy. All I do is listen and encourage."

Lorna Knapman, who Erica took under her wing, said: "I can truly say that without her constant support, guidance, encouragement and focus I wouldn't have achieved the success I have."

Asha Vijendran, 28, who is based in The Prince's Trust head office in Bristol, won the Somerfield Staff Award.

She is the programme manager for Business and Awards, covering the north of the South West region. Her passion and enthusiasm for helping young people on the programme inspires all those around her.

She said: "It's great to be recognised for doing something I love. It's like being part of a family."

Speaking in a specially-prepared video address, Prince Charles said: "You really are the most remarkable people."