Former drug addict scoops top award

11:04am Sunday 23rd March 2008

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A former drug addict from Moreton who launched a "personal crusade" to teach others the dangers of substance abuse has been named Young Achiever of the Year by The Prince of Wales at a glamorous celebrity bash.

After leaving school with no qualifications, Ian Fisher, 29, lived a bleak existence. Heroin and crack addiction led him to hit rock-bottom, ending up in hospital and finally prison.

"At my worst I was a heroin and crack addict and knew my drug use had to come to an end."

Ian Fisher

Years of substance misuse have left Ian with chronic and life-threatening medical problems.

His efforts to turn his life around have now landed the proud new dad with the LSC Young Achiever Award at The Prince's Trust and RBS Celebrate Success ceremony attended by the likes of well-wishing A-listers such as Kevin Spacey and Richard E Grant.

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who handed Ian the award, was among those gathered at the ceremony to recognise young people who have overcome homelessness, drug addiction and unemployment to achieve success.

After announcing Ian's success to the 1,500-strong audience she said: "Ian has shown remarkable willpower and strength of character to overcome drug addiction and prison. I am personally humbled by how such a young man can put his past experiences to good use and help others to avoid similar problems."

Gwyneth added: "I'm a great admirer of The Prince of Wales. The work he has done through his charity to help young people is quite remarkable."

Ian believes that without the support of The Prince's Trust, he would have given up on life.

Thankfully, he received enough guidance and financial support from the youth charity to overcome all barriers and set up organisation Sub Aware'. He now educates schools, youth groups and the wider community on the effects of drugs and alcohol.

In addition to managing his own business, Ian volunteers for two other charities, both of which support young people with addictions.

Ian said: "At my worst I was a heroin and crack addict and knew my drug use had to come to an end.

"Everything in my personal life is absolutely fantastic now - it's all going in my favour.

"I will not stand down from this crusade until I've made a real difference to the lives of young people."

The Prince's Trust & RBS Celebrate Success Awards celebrate the achievements of young people supported by the youth charity who have succeeded against the odds, as well as the support from volunteers and staff.

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group's support of Celebrate Success is part of a five-year partnership with The Trust to help the one million young people who are not in education, employment or training.

HRH The Prince of Wales set up The Prince's Trust because he wanted to help young people in the UK. The Trust has helped more than 575,000 young people since 1976 and needs to raise £1m a week to continue this support.