Luke Clifford

Luke travelled to Kenya last summer and was transformed.  Since returning he has saved up and bought a plot of land in Nakuru, Kenya.  He has since organised three fundraisers and has raised the money to build a car mechanic garage for street kids (teenagers) to be trained and work in Kenya.  The building is now underway.  Luke has managed to inspire other young people and now there is another group of young people from his estate going out to Kenya with Luke this summer to help run a camp for street kids. People in Kenya are being paid to build the garage.  Young people in Kenya have the hope of being trained to make money in order to provide for themselves and their families. 

Luke has gathered many other people together in our area to help make a difference, raising the self esteem of others here in the UK.  Others who would not have thought of doing such a thing, have decided that they want to make a difference too and get involved. Luke has had a difficult upbringing but now he is making a huge difference to other people's lives.  He is a positive role model to the hundreds of other young people on his estate and he has been able to put his dream into action.

For a guy who rarely went to school, he has held down a job as a car mechanic for three years now and setting up the garage in Kenya will benefit some of the world's poorest young people. Luke has also taken part in various activities and mentoring schemes.

Hear Luke talking about his life to Premier Radio

Judges comments

"This guy is truly amazing! What vision! Against almost inconceivable odds,  this young man has not only turned his own life around but is busy doing the same for countless others, helping youngsters in two countries, thousands of miles apart, grow and change"

"What a fantastic and inspiring story this is"

"He has overcome personal challenges to do and be who he is today, and he is a real demonstration to himself and the young people in his area that you can change your life around and live a life or respect, integrity and compassion"

"Well done Luke for coming out against all odds to help others  - you are an inspiration"