Dave Hills
1989 was the year that Dave
Hills represented Great Britain in the Masters Swimming
World Championships in Indianapolis, but importantly, it was also
the year he joined The Prince’s Trust as a volunteer in Tyne and
Wear.
Born in Ford Estate, a deprived area of
Sunderland, Dave left school and progressed into
careers spanning the arts, professional football, the
Police Service, the Youth Offending Service and self employment.
Dave’s career has been varied and rich in
experience - like his 22 years as a volunteer with
The Prince’s Trust.
Since joining The Prince’s Trust in
1989, Dave has worked with nearly 400 young people and now
acts as Chair of his local Development Awards Panel – providing
cash awards for young people to access education, training or work.
Of those 400 young people, Dave remembers making an Award
to one young person in particular who, having suffered
bullying as a result of his size, went on to train as an apprentice
jockey.
In recognition of Dave’s contributions to The
Prince’s Trust, he was invited to the London home of HRH The Prince
of Wales, Clarence House, earlier this year to celebrate The Trust’s 35th birthday.
So what has kept Dave motivated to
support The Prince's Trust for all these years?
I continue to do this work because I believe in
young people and it gives me a level of satisfaction that I
have not had in any other role in my life.
Whether you need a plumber in Plymouth or a gardener in
Gateshead, using a Trust-supported business is a practical way for
you to help.
supported business is a practical way for you to help.
Their potential is unlimited. Our resources are
not.