I have been a youth worker for over 40 years and my mission in life is to help young people become the best that they can be. I am currently a mentor in local schools.

My Fellowship was about how to deter young people from gang violence and how the community and ex-gang members could intercede. The reason I wanted to do this was because when I was growing up in my area of Moss Side, my peers and friends were getting caught up in all manner of gang activities, such as shooting dead other young people from opposite gangs, whom they often had grown up with. It was heartbreaking and so sad, and to this day that pain and sadness hangs over us like a dark cloud that may never go away.

In 2010, we created a charity called Unity in the Community, which has been successfully engaging local young people in schools, youth clubs and on the streets, teaching them about the negative aspects of gang life, death, prison, pain, sadness, etc. As a result, gang-related shootings have declined significantly over the last decade.

The Fellowship's level of support and funding was so generous, kind, considerate and professional – it was like a dream come true. I am eternally grateful.