Role model takes Prince’s top title

Lisa Daly receives her award from the Prince of Wales.

An inspirational Prince’s Trust team leader has received a national award from the Prince of Wales for overcoming depression and alcoholism.

Lisa Daly has used her past experiences to help transform the lives of local people, thanks to the project run by Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale.

The 26-year-old, of Blackley, won the North West Young Achiever of the year award last November.

She then went on to represent the region in the national finals where she has been hailed Young Achiever of the Year at the Prince’s Trust awards held in London.

Lisa beat more than 40,000 others to win the award in front of a 1,500-strong audience including actress Emelia Fox and “Strictly Come Dancing” winner Alesha Dixon.

Lisa’s troubled background began when she was abandoned by her mother at the age of three. This eventually led her to drink and self-harm.

She under went counselling and anger management in an attempt to help her come to terms with her situation.

But it wasn’t until she joined Groundwork that she slowly gained a more positive outlook on life.

Miss Daly said: “I’m delighted to have received the award and meet the Prince of Wales.

“It’s been a hectic few weeks juggling my current Prince’s Trust team with the award ceremony and other events but my achievements show other youngsters that you can turn your life around and overcome personal problems.”

Last summer, Lisa was appointed Prince’s Trust team leader, a position that will enabled her to inspire more young people and help them achieve their own potential.

Cliff Ellison, executive director of Groundwork added: “We are massively proud of Lisa and all that she deservedly achieved.

“The nicest aspect of all is that Lisa has genuinely been unaffected by all the attention that she’s been receiving in recent days and weeks.

“What remains at the forefront of her mind is her current Prince’s Trust team and helping them to turn their lives around as she has done — and what a role model!”

Groundwork’s next Prince’s Trust team will start on 20 July. Anyone interested in joining should call Alan Holmes on 0161 624 1444.