A FORMER drug addict who turned her life around has been handed a top accolade at The Prince’s Trust Awards.
Ellie Turner from Solihull won the Central Region IHN Insurance Rising Star category at a prestigious ceremony at Millennium Point in Birmingham.
With the help of the Trust Ellie turned her life around and went from drug addiction and homelessness to being free from drugs, in work and repairing her relationship with her parents.
She completed The Prince’s Trust Team programme, delivered by West Midlands Police.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Ellie said: “The support from The Prince’s Trust and PC Simms has helped me win my award this evening.
“I just want to thank everyone for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to live the life I never thought possible.”
Ellie said without really realising she’d gone from one bad relationship to another and her partners were addicts and it was then she started stealing from her parents to buy drugs as she too had become addicted.
She said she ended up homeless, sleeping rough and eating at soup kitchens just to stay alive.
Taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Solihull was a positive experience for Ellie, she added: “Team changed my outlook on life and showed me how to cope with different situations.
“I made friends for life, and started an apprenticeship with Waterloo Housing and saved enough of my wages to buy a car.
“I’m now working in the hospitality industry.
“I also volunteer at a homeless centre in my spare time and I’m pleased to say that my relationship with my parents is much better, too.”
The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards recognise the achievements of young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life, and had a positive impact on their local community, as well as those who have played a part in supporting the work of The Trust.
Liz Foster, Chairman at IHN said: “The IHN Rising Star award recognises incredible young people, like Ellie, who have overcome significant barriers in their lives to achieve success.
“IHN is delighted to honour such courageous and determined young people who, with the right support, have proven that they have what it takes to change their lives for the better.”
