MIND volunteer nominated for Princes Trust Award

Stacie O’Neill

Stacie O’Neill, a volunteer for Rochdale and District MIND has been nominated for Princes Trust Ambassador of the year.

Stacie has spent the past year as a young ambassador for the Prince's Trust. Her role as a young ambassador is to promote the Prince’s Trust and share with people who support the Prince’s Trust her story in order to demonstrate how valuable the money they raise is to young people.

The 25-year-old from Middleton was nominated for the award in recognition of everything she has achieved in her role as young ambassador.

Stacie was born with Myleomeningocela, a form of Spina Bifida. Her nerves were exposed near the base of her spine and doctors told her parents she may never walk. However, at age 13 months, Stacie began walking.

Stacie, who has also suffered from depression and anxiety, said: “The Prince’s Trust is extremely important to me because, as melodramatic as it may sound, it saved my life.”

Stacie got involved with the Prince's Trust in 2011 after speaking with a Groundwork adviser. Stacie then completed an application form and met with a team leader from the trust. Stacie was then offered a place on a twelve week personal development course.

Stacie said: “When I started the Prince’s Trust I was rather nervous and had very low self esteem and lacked confidence in myself. Over the 12 week programme I slowly but surely began to develop and increase my self esteem and confidence.

“The Prince’s Trust, I have found, are very supportive of people with disabilities and mental health issues. They really encouraged me to grow and develop, thus empowering me.”

Stacie is now waiting to hear if she has made the top three of her category and if so, she will then progress to an awards ceremony in the North West.