Prince Williamis seeing how mentoring and sport can help kids turn their life around.
The Prince of Wales, 41, met a young woman whose father set up a charity after he saw how she, and others, could be supported with more positive experiences and mentoring.
Prince William was at the charityBEST - Be A Better Youin Swindon, 80 miles west of London, where he met Jess and Don Brydon. Don started the charity after intervening to help Jess, 18, after she’d become exposed to criminal exploitation. He went on to set up BEST in 2020, and it now runs programs to help engender a positive experience for young people faced with different social, emotional and mental health challenges.
PA Images/INSTARimages
“When [Don] found an outlet for [Jess] in boxing, he saw the positive reinforcement boxing brought to her life and he wanted to be able to offer it to more young people at risk,” the organization’s website states.
Jess entered the boxing ring with her mentor, Paul, for a sparring session — however, Prince William declined an offer to join them.
Prince William visits BEST charity on Sept. 29, 2023.PA Images/INSTARimages
Jess told theSwindon Advertiserthat she was “so nervous” to meet the Prince of Wales. “It was such a privilege,” she said. “He’ll be my future king one day!”
She told the outlet that after getting involved with the “wrong crowds,” which led to her doing drugs. At 14, she attempted to overdose, and her family intervened.
“For me, it was my family. I have always had my dad at my side,” she said. “And then boxing also gave me a purpose and a positive reason to wake up in the mornings.”
It comes after a busy few days for Prince William and his wife,Kate Middleton. Earlier in the week, Kate, 41, visited Leeds and Lancaster to seehow the textile trade is thrivingand inspiring young people in the workplace. Then, she headed to Sittingbourne in Kent as part of her campaign to support parents, carers and young children, Shaping Us, when she visited a service for children withspecial educational needs and disabilities from birth until preschool age.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Prince Wiliam returned last week from New York where he promoted his Earthshot Prize, met diplomats andenjoyed chats with firefightersand schoolkids helping restore oyster reefs in the harbor.
source: people.com
