Case Studies
The Prince's Trust - Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson overcame barriers to become The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever of the Year 2005 at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards.
Mark was chosen from hundreds of young people supported by The Prince Trust, in recognition of how he has overcome homelessness, drug and alcohol problems to set up a successful tree surgery business, with The Trust's support.
Originally from the West Midlands, Mark spent 15 years in a downward cycle of drugs, alcohol and crime, hitting rock bottom living on London streets for eight months, weighing only 8.5 stones.
After his friend and homeless worker Shaun - who attended the Award ceremony as Mark’s guest - found him, Mark eventually managed to get onto a recovery plan. Clean from drugs, but severely lacking in confidence and direction, he began to think what he could do with his life.
He had some experience as a tree surgeon, but had lost his job because of his addiction. He had several meetings with The Prince's Trust in the South West, who helped him to put a business plan together and gain the confidence to run a business.
In 2001 Mark received a £1,500 loan and £1,000 grant from The Trust in 2001 to start Treewise. He now employs up to eight people, many from similar backgrounds to his own, and works for clients across the Bournemouth area.
Mark says "If it wasn’t for The Prince’s Trust I really wouldn’t be here today - I thought I was going to die when I was living on the streets. The funding The Trust gave me, and more importantly the support and advice, and the faith they put in me when no one else would, was literally a life saver."
"I’m so proud of my business, and to be able to employ other people and give them opportunities makes me feel like I can put something back."
"It was incredible to have the opportunity to meet Prince Charles and to be able to thank him for everything that his charity has done for me."
Click here to visit The Prince's Trust website.