Reformed bad boy gets top award

David Platt (centre)with David Stanford of CIMA and Beth Tweddle the Olympic gymnast.

AN Oldham teenager’s life-changing turnaround has been recognised by a regional award.

David Platt (16), from Grotton, scooped the the CIMA Educational Achiever of the Year award at The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards, in Manchester.

He was one of just three young people in the North-West to be shortlisted for the accolade after he went from an unruly student to model pupil with nine GCSEs and dreams of being a sports coach.

Accepting his award from Olympic medal-winning gymnast Beth Tweddle and David Stanford, from sponsor CIMA, it was the culmination of an incredible journey for David.

After being in and out of trouble at school, he was referred on to The Prince’s Trust Fairbridge programme which gives disadvantaged young people the skills and confidence they need to change their lives.

David said: “I can’t believe I’ve won this award. The Prince’s Trust Fairbridge programme helped me so much and I’m looking forward to the future.”

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and how far I’ve come. I now know that if I work hard I can achieve much more.”

David Stanford, of CIMA, said: “A huge congratulations to David for being named winner for the CIMA Educational Achiever of the Year Award.

“David has had to overcome significant personal barriers to get to where he is today and he should be very proud of his achievements.”

The games and activities at The Prince’s Trust sessions helped David talk about his issues and control how he was feeling and he also began supporting other young people on the programme.”
For a full version of this story read the Chronicle in print or via the digital iChron and eChron editions on mobile and laptop.