Young Norwich woman overcomes depression and is shortlisted for national award

Samantha Kerr has become something of a success story after years of hardship.

The self-made young woman once had no job, no confidence and suffered from anxiety and depression. She spiralled further after the death of her boyfriend, who was killed in a motorbike accident.

The Prince's Trust truly came into her life during a time of need. Ms Kerr was hanging out aimlessly around the city with friends when someone from the youth charity spotted them and explained what the group could help them achieve.

Ms Kerr quickly took advantage of the opportunity and joined the team programme, a 12-week personal development course which gives unemployed young people the skills and confidence to find work. The young woman was so inspired by the course that she became a volunteer assistant on the programme.

In 2015 she was invited to be a Young Ambassador for the trust and now she regularly gives speeches about her experience.

Once Ms Kerr couldn't get on a bus by herself, but recently she flew to Azerbaijan and Hungary with a local youth project as a team leader. She also works as an employee at Talent Match.

Along with the nomination for Pride of Britain, Ms Kerr has been nominated for the Young Ambassador award at this year's Prince's Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Celebrate Success Awards. The award recognises the achievements of disadvantaged young people across the East of England who have succeeded against the odds.

'I owe my life to The Prince's Trust. They gave me back my confidence and independence and they've made me who I am today – the real Sam.

'I have done so much that I can be proud of – it has changed my life so much and I want other people to know that it can do the same for them too,' she said.

Ms Kerr is one of five finalists for the prestigious Pride of Britain Award. The winner will be chosen at a recorded event in London on October 31 and broadcasted the next day on ITV.