July 2012
Royal visit for Olympic torchbearer from Tottenham
TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of
Cornwall watched a young man who has overcome homelessness and
unemployment with the help of The Prince's Trust carry
the Olympic Flame through Tottenham.
Their Royal Highnesses met torchbearer Jay Kamiraz during a
visit to Tottenham. They also spoke to other young people from
Haringey who have received help from The Prince’s
Charities.
Before approaching The Prince’s Trust, Jay had
a difficult childhood, growing up in a family where no-one worked.
He was bullied at school and, at the age of 16, problems at home
led to him becoming homeless.
At the age of 17, Jay was brutally attacked and put in hospital.
An operation saved his life but he suffered internal injuries,
which still affect him now. Jay began to get his life back on track
with the help of a key worker and slowly started to build up his
confidence, eventually moving into his own flat.
He also got involved in a project to raise money for Tsunami
victims, bringing together singers to form a diverse choir called
‘Souls of Prophecy Gospel Choir’.
The choir was so successful Jay realised he could turn it into a
business. Jay came to The Prince’s Trust for help creating JK
Creative Arts Management Ltd, providing bespoke entertainment for
weddings, corporate events, film and TV and other industries.
With the popular Souls of Prophecy Gospel Choir on the books,
business is now booming, growing from four engagements in its first
year to more than 40 in the second. He has also set up "Sing to
Smile" - a community programme to help boost people’s confidence
through singing.
Jay says:
Carrying the Olympic Flame through Tottenham
was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never forget, and
meeting The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall made it
even more special.
He addded, “The Prince’s Trust completely changed my life, and I
hope my story will inspire other young people that they can achieve
their dreams, too.”