JACK SMYTH
Prince’s Trust Young Achiever of the Year
Overcame years of bullying to set up a business and inspire others with his determination and positivity.
Pop legend Lulu echoed one of her most famous hits when she said the whole world needed to shout about the achievements of Jack Smyth.
Born premature, Jack was only days old when he suffered the first of three bleeds in
his brain and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus with
doctors believing he would never walk or talk. He underwent numerous operations as a child including having shunts placed in his brain, as well as brain surgeries up to the age of 14.
He also had major surgery on his right arm and leg, but despite all these challenges, Jack never allowed his disability to stop him from doing the things he loved. As a boy he helped his dad work on cars and had the dream of opening his own garage.
But his time at
school and college, where he studied vehicle maintenance, was ruined by bullies and he felt there were too many unnecessary barriers, which ultimately stopped him from learning the skills he needed to become a mechanic. With his self-esteem low, Jack’s uncle began to teach him how to weld. After working on scrap metal, Jack realised he could turn his new skills into a business.
With help from The Prince’s Trust, he launched Salvaged Metal Art, making striking artworks from old car parts. Lulu added: “He is a true example to others and there are not enough uplifting words in the dictionary to describe him.”