Praise for Prince Charles ahead of 70th birthday
Armed with a business idea and the drive to make it a success, Matt Gillespie sought the guidance of the Prince’s Trust in 2015 and got the expert help he needed to embark on a dream career – providing action sport opportunities and experiences for people of all ages.
The 32-year-old – who also runs Thunder Action Sports in Bangor – said Prince Charles made the greatest use of his position and influence when he set up the trust in his name.
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Hide AdThe Prince of Wales established the Trust in 1976 with his £7,000 severance pay from the Royal Navy. He is also the patron or president of more than 400 charities that together raise more than £140 million every year for good causes.
“Prince Charles created [the Trust], and funded it, but the staff and people who are involved in the organisation are really passionate about it. I think the Prince’s Trust is the best kept secret in society. I really do,” Matt said.
The Urban Excel branch of Matt’s company use BMX bikes to engage young people in programmes which lead to work on issues such as confidence-building and reducing anti-social behaviour.
“I now employ nine people and have an Ireland-wide coaching service and Ireland’s first ever action sports academy in Bangor,” Matt said.
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Hide Ad“That started with the Enterprise Programme, a £7,000 loan and a mentor – and my mentor has been fantastic.”
The Prince’s birthday celebrations began last month with a gala comedy and magic night staged in his honour at the London Palladium.
The ‘We Are Most Amused And Amazed’ show – featuring Bill Bailey, Rowan Atkinson, Sandi Toksvig, Omid Djalili, Alistair McGowan and Kylie Minogue – was screened on UTV on Tuesday night (November 13).