Devoted Lurgan volunteer receives prestigious Prince’s Trust Award
You can watch the awards show tonight on TV
Last updated 26th May 2022
Lyle English, who is 71-years-old and lives in Lurgan, picked up a prestigious award from HRH The Prince of Wales after 20 years of volunteering for The Prince’s Trust, giving his time for free to inspire young adults across Northern Ireland.
Lyle scooped the prestigious ‘Good Morning Britain Volunteer of the Year Award’, which celebrates volunteers who commit to giving young people support in education, training and employment.
The star-studded ceremony held at Theatre Royal Drury Lane was hosted by Ant and Dec and attended by celebrity Ambassadors including Sir Ben Kingsley, Amal Clooney, Anne Marie, Mel C, Nicola Adams, Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey and Phoebe Dynevor, as well as Downtown’s very own Kirstie McMurray.
Lyle said, “It has been wonderful being able to give something back to the community through The Prince’s Trust. It is a responsibility and opportunity we all have to pass on both our time and talent to nurture the next generation.”
Lyle started volunteering as a business mentor, offering his time and skills as a Leadership Coach to help young people take their first steps into self-employment. From florists to textile artists to engine cleaners, more than 40 young people have set up businesses in Northern Ireland with Lyle’s support.
“I have mentored a range of young people from across Northern Ireland. They have all had different challenges and needs, but each one has shown motivation and desire to do something better with their lives. It is a privilege to be a part of their journey.
“As I look back on some of the young people who I’ve been involved with I am grateful for the opportunity to help them change. I love supporting a young person who has a business idea, the motivation to set up their own business but doesn’t know how to put it all together. I find it very rewarding to share my experience and to mentor them to the point where they can fly solo. That gives me a real buzz.”
Lyle has not only supported his own mentees, but also other mentors in the community. He has set up and chaired a Volunteering Hub, which allows peer-to-peer volunteer support locally while encouraging other volunteers to support the work of The Prince’s Trust.
Don’t miss the glittering awards ceremony tonight 👇
For the first time, The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards will be broadcast on ITV and ITV Hub, tonight at 8.30pm.
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