I had been in and out of jobs for years, mainly agency work. I couldn’t find an employer who would take me on permanently or even long term. With my debts starting to add up I became very negative, even depressed.

With the grant from Alderman Newton’s Educational Foundation I got to do my Forklift Truck training – which in itself was a godsend as it gave me something to get up for!

Within an hour of getting my final forklift licence I had a job as a Bendi Forklift driver! I love where I now work, and wouldn’t have got here without the Foundation. I’d like to thank everybody involved. When I came to you I felt like I couldn’t win, everything seemed to go against me. Since then I’ve realised that there are good people, caring people – and for everything you’ve done for me I will be forever grateful!