A YOUNG man from Blackburn who turned his life around from homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse to become an NHS key worker has been shortlisted for a national award.

Thomas Pemberton, 22, says that for much of his early life he had been heading down the wrong path, having become homeless at 18 due to a breakdown in his relationships at home before turning to drugs and alcohol.

However, Thomas realised something had to change and was fortunate that the Prince’s Trust charity was there to help him pull himself back from the brink and work towards securing a job as a key worker in East Lancashire Hospital Trust’s laundry department.

Speaking about the importance of having this productive outlet during the pandemic, Thomas said: “I’d say with all the isolation that’s been put into place, that’s stressful, because it affects your wellbeing.

“You need to socialise to bring your mood up.”

Thomas’ opportunity came about thanks to the Prince’s Trust’s Get Into NHS Hospital Services course.

He has taken to his new challenge to such an extent that Thomas has now become a finalist for the Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards, which recognise young people who have succeeded in overcoming incredible odds.

In the run up to the awards he has also joined DJ and television presenter Fearne Cotton on a virtual panel alongside fellow award finalists discussing the challenges facing young people due to the pandemic.

She said: “Many people are experiencing anxiety for the first time in their lives, it might be something completely new to them.

“For people already dealing with anxiety, this has been a whole heap of other stress.

“We need a celebration more than ever we need to hear positive news and we need to hear about people doing really brilliant things.”

Louise Greenlees, president of TJX Europe which sponsors the awards hopes so too.

She said: “We’re delighted and very proud to continue to partner with The Prince’s Trust to sponsor these awards, and to recognise those young people who, with the help of the Trust, have beaten the odds to turn their lives around."

The winners will be announced in 2021, with Thomas on a shortlist of 23.