This year The Prince's Trust celebrates its 30th birthday. The
trust is also the Worcester News preferred charity for 2006/07.
Here, reporter Lauren Murray looks forward to the charity's
big birthday celebration
WHEN most people turn 30 they start to wonder what they have achieved in three decades and what they have got to show for all that hard work.
The Prince's Trust, celebrating its 30th birthday in style this weekend, is proud to shout about its achievements.
Since it was first set up in 1976 the charity has helped more than half a million young people fulfil their dreams, handing out life
changing grants and giving youngsters the confidence to carry on.
To mark the big three-zero a huge fund-raising concert will be held at the Tower of London tomorrow night, with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Annie Lennox, the Sugababes and Will Young all performing. The show, broadcast live on television, will include a world exclusive when TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelley
speak to Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry, interviewed together for the first time. But Worcester will not be
missing out on the festivities.
In Herefordshire and Worcestershire alone 10 young people are put back on track every day by the trust, so therefs plenty to be pleased about. A host of 30-year-olds who have been helped by the
charity will get together for a special party at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground on Monday. The successful businessmen
and women will be joined by teenagers who have also had their lives touched by the trust. Pupils of Christopher Whitehead Language
Colleges and members of the Trust's xl club, which reaches
out to young people who struggle at school, will have their Gold awards presented to them. One local woman at the party will have another cause to celebrate, as it is actually her 30th birthday on
the day. Three years ago the Prince's Trust helped Jan Robertson,
from Worcester, set up her business Mojo Photography. She hasn't looked back since. Alex Lamb, area manager, said: "I think our greatest success is that we make a difference that lasts, and
seeing businesses that we help start say 15 years ago shows that we are effective."
Mentors of all Hereford & Worcester's 30-year-old clients
and a selection of other trust supporters from the area are also invited to the celebrations. Chief executive of the Prince's Trust Martina Milburn said: "Too many young people feel like they
matter to no one. " We need to raise awareness that all young people have a talent and give hope to those who have none.
"Our 30th birthday campaign aims to raise millions of pounds to invest in young people's futures."
The Princefs Trust's 30th Live event will be screened on
ITV1 this Saturday. Viewers at home will be able to watch some of the show in 3D if they buy a pair of 3D glasses, on sale now at Tesco, Carphone Warehouse, the Post Office, Optical Express,
USC, d2 and Qube.
Proceeds from the sale of the glasses go direct to the Prince's Trust.
For more information visit www.pt30.org.uk, www.princes-trust.org.uk or call 0800 842 842.
Also on Saturday the Prince's Trust will be prove 'Every little helps' when it holds collections at Tesco stores across Worcestershire. More than 20 staff and volunteers will be visiting the supermarket and asking shoppers to dig deep at the following stores:
* Worcester Warndon,
Millwood Drive.
* Worcester, St Peterfs Drive.
* Redditch, Coldfield Drive.
* Kidderminster, Castle Road.
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