A YOUNG woman who stared adversity in the face following a harrowing and violent childhood, has turned her life around and become an inspiration to all around her.

Kerry Harkins, 29, from Evesham, had a torrid start to life, facing horrifying violence which resulted in a total lack of stability, but today she has proved her strength and business acumen by winning the Royal Bank of Scotland Enterprise Award at The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards.

The award couldn't have been further from her mind when at just 16 her mother died and Kerry was too afraid to stay at home.

She left to start a new life but became drawn into her own abusive relationship which made her fear for her children's safety.

“It felt like life was always going to be the same. I never had an education and I thought that because of that I would never get a good wage and that I’d always struggle to get by,” she said.

Determined to create a better life for her children, Kerry enrolled on a childcare course, ended her relationship, and started a completely new life. She gained work experience at a day care nursery and became focused on starting her own children’s nursery.

Knowing she needed help, she approached The Prince’s Trust and participated in the Enterprise programme, which helps unemployed young people start up in business. With Prince’s Trust support, Kerry researched her market, secured start up funds and gained Ofsted accreditation.

Within a year of trading, Kerry’s Twinkie Tweedles nursery had 60 children on its books and employed eight staff. Confident and highly capable, Kerry is planning to move into larger premises and one day hopes to have her own chain of nurseries.

“Having The Prince’s Trust there for me gave me so much confidence. They believed in me and supported me all the way and made me feel I was good and could do anything. To be honest, I never thought just me, one person could do it, but The Trust showed me that I could and now I’ve got a life I never thought I’d have. It’s amazing.

“I can’t put into words how it feels to have won this award. I wouldn’t have been able to start a business without The Prince’s Trust and I’m not sure where I would be without them.”

Thom Kenrick from RBS said: “On Behalf of all at RBS I’d like to congratulate Kerry for winning this prestigious award. RBS is a long standing supporter of the Enterprise programme, as part of our ‘Inspiring Enterprise’ initiative, and Kerry represents the many thriving new businesses this has helped to create in the region. She has shown real entrepreneurial spirit and her story proves that given the right tools and support young people can create a successful future for themselves.”

Kerry received her award at a ceremony at Aston Villa Football Club.