Chester man's royal honour after turning his life around after years of bullying

Nov 24 2011 by Rachel Flint, Chester Chronicle

A DETERMINED Chester man who turned his life around and opened his own cake decorating business has been honoured by royalty.

For years Andrew Clay, 21, of Vicars Cross, suffered from endless bullying and after being treated as a ‘difficult child’ by his teachers was eventually pulled out of school to be taught at home by his parents when he was just seven years-old.

Determined to prove his classmates and teachers wrong, Andrew studied and worked his way up through the catering and hospitality industry working as a cleaner in hotel kitchens before becoming a sous chef and then achieving his ultimate dream of starting his own business.

Now Andrew, who owns and runs a cake business, has been honoured with a prestigious award at The Prince’s Trust and L’Oreal Paris Celebrate Success Awards after he turned his life around with his hardworking ways.

Watched by his proud parents, Andrew was presented as a finalist for the CIMA Breakthrough Award at the ceremony and was presented with a certificate in what he described as a ‘daunting’ but ‘exciting’ experience.

Andrew, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome and Diabetes when he was 11-years-old, said he just wanted to show people that he was not difficult, but just a young person who needed help to unlock their potential.

“It was a bit daunting to be honest with all those people being there,” said Andrew.

“I am so proud to be a finalist for this fantastic award. I can’t thank the Prince’s Trust enough for their support, the business is going really well and I wouldn’t have been able to set it up without their help.”

Andrew was given a small business start-up grant by The Prince’s Trust of £750, which he used to launch his cake business in August 2010. He now also works as a sugarcraft demonstrator with the British Sugarcraft Guild, where he gives demonstrations all over the UK and has been approached by the WI to give classes.

David Stanford, from CIMA, said: “The Breakthrough Award recognises young people who have shown strength and determination to overcome barriers and turn their lives around.

“It is a privilege to support this and we congratulate Andrew for being honoured in this special award.”