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UHB theatre support worker Cherelle Knight has been presented with a national award at a celebrity-packed ceremony in London.

Cherelle, who works at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), received her Prince’s Trust award from rapper and actor Eve, and actor Damian Lewis, at an event hosted by TV presenters Ant and Dec at Drury Lane Theatre.

She was chosen as a UK-wide winner of a prestigious Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense award, after judges heard about her landing her dream job with the NHS, despite having to overcome many substantial barriers. 

Cherelle, a mum of four children, turned her life around, after a difficult upbringing, to follow her dream of getting a job caring for others.

Her first role was at Solihull Hospital, as a healthcare assistant, and she recently moved to QEHB.

Cherelle said: “I still can’t believe I've won an award. My girls are so proud of me, which means the world!” 

Presenting the award, Eve said:"Cherelle is amazing! She has battled so much to get to where she is now and is a true role model to her daughters, showing them strength, ambition, humour and warmth.”

Michael Munnelly, President of TK Maxx and Homesense, said: “A huge congratulations to Cherelle, a truly deserving winner of this year’s young achiever award. She is an inspiration and demonstrates the power of never giving up.”

Cherelle also had the honour of attending a reception at Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty the King, founder of the Prince’s Trust, who congratulated all the award winners on their achievements.

Earlier this year, Cherelle won the Prince’s Trust young achiever award for England – but this award is for the whole of the UK.

These awards shine a light on the inspirational stories of young people, volunteers and those who support their wider communities.