A young angler who uses fishing as a tool to help with his mental health has recently been presented with a prestigious Pride of Britain Award for his work in supporting young people through outdoor learning.
Harry Byrne (23) from Coventry has overcome immense challenges in his life. After losing his mum at a young age, his life began to unravel.
“I started going down the wrong path,” he said.
“My mental health hit rock bottom, resulting in me being hospitalised. When I left hospital, I was homeless and sofa surfing.”
It was during this time that Harry found out about The King’s Trust’s Get Started in Outdoor Leadership programme, which took place at Coombe Abbey Park in Coventry, where there’s a popular fishery.
“Being outdoors in nature gave me a sense of calm and time to think,” he said.
Having gained a position at the Coventry Outside Education and Adventure Service, Harry was recognised for his work with the Pride of Britain award, in which the judges hailed him as “a real force for good, who has changed so many lives.”
Earlier this year, Harry also won the King’s Trust’s National Achiever of the Year award, when he was personally congratulated by King Charles.
