Prince’s Trust winners who beat the odds
JACK Smyth was bullied at school because of his disabilities – but then found a way to combine his love of art and cars with his own business.
He was born 10 weeks premature, battled lifethreatening illness as a baby and suffers from cerebral palsy.
Doctors thought he’d never walk or talk but he’s defied the odds and can do both.
Jack, 23, from Clydebank, said: “My parents encouraged me to do what I wanted to do but I was bullied at school and college because of my disability and lost confidence.”
Through Street League in Dunbartonshire, Jack found out about the Prince’s Trust and took part in the Enterprise programme which gave him the knowledge, skills and confidence to launch Salvaged Metal Art.
“My uncle taught me to weld and as I had always enjoyed art and being creative, I began designing a table lamp using a
YOUNG ACHIEVER – JACK SMYTH car spring and scrap materials. Now, using car parts, I make sculptures and household items including wine racks, floor lamps and gifts,” he said.
Jack’s work won the Homesense Young Achiever Award.
“I have a weakness on the right side which means it can be difficult to hold items to weld – but I use clamps to hold things in position,” he said. “I have a passion for art as well as cars. I started using car parts and scrap metal to make things.
“Recycling is a big part of my business – I don’t like to see things go to waste.
“As well as taking part in the Enterprise programme, through the Trust I was introduced to Arnold Clark, AutoParts and Black Circles, who now supply me with parts.
“My aim is to build my business and hopefully create jobs.”
I had always enjoyed art and being creative