Funmilola Sosanya, 31 from South London has won a prestigious national Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Award. Winner of the L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Award has today attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty The King, Founder and President of The Prince’s Trust, who congratulated the award winners on their achievements.
Funmi was honoured at yesterday’s star-studded award ceremony, hosted by Ant and Dec, and attended by many celebrity supporters and Ambassadors of the youth charity. Funmi was presented her award by TV presenter Oti Mabuse and singer Geri Horner, who also joined them today at Buckingham Palace.
The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. The L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Award honours young people who have overcome barriers and are now in sustainable employment by building their self-worth and confidence to succeed.
“Before The Prince’s Trust I couldn’t see a future for myself.”
Funmi had experienced bereavement and unemployment before she came across The Prince’s Trust following a referral by her sister, who saw an Instagram advertisement for the charity’s Health and Social Care programme. Helping others motivated Funmi and, with support from the charity, she has secured employment as a Healthcare Assistant and is working towards her ambition of becoming a nurse.
The Trust helped Funmi build her confidence, communication, and employability skills. At the end of the programme, Funmi was successful in getting a job as a Healthcare Assistant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
Before reaching out to The Trust, Funmi had lived in Nigeria. She had intentions to start a new life with her husband in the UK, but unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer on the same day she received her spouse visa to reunite with him. Despite still grieving, Funmi found the strength to make the move and began volunteering as a way of dealing with bereavement, but had never had a full-time job.
Since receiving support from The Trust, Funmi feels great about her life and future, focusing on her ambitions of becoming a nurse.
Funmi said: “Before The Prince’s Trust I couldn’t see a future for myself, but now I’m in a job I love and hoping to attend university to achieve my ambition of becoming a mental health nurse.”
On winning the L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Award, Funmi said: “I still can’t believe its real. The Prince’s Trust has been so amazing and so supportive throughout my entire journey. I tell everyone looking for help or support to reach out to them and have recommended it to so many people. To be recognised as a national winner is something I never expected! It is a day I will never forget and will remember forever.”
