AN INSPIRATIONAL key worker has been recognised for succeeding against the odds after she tragically lost her mum six years ago.

Sophie Ross, who lives in Dennistoun, has been nominated in the Delta Rising Star category at the Prince’s Trust & TK Maxx Homesense Awards. The gong recognises young people who have overcome personal barriers and are in sustainable employment. 

Now happily working for the NHS as an NHS 24 call handler, Sophie was unemployed for six years before this following the tragic death of her mum. 

The loss came as a huge shock to Sophie and as a result, she turned to unhealthy coping methods and lost confidence in herself. She experienced mental health issues often felt alone.

Sophie, 29, tried volunteering to try and build her CV. She saw a Prince’s Trust Get into Healthcare course advertised on social media and decided to give it a go.
Sophie praised the Prince’s Trust for the support she had throughout the course. 

She said: “The Prince’s Trust were great. I got time to do my course, they helped me with interviews and my CV. They also paid for my travel to work for the first month and we are still in touch.”

Working for the NHS has given Sophie a sense of pride that she felt she had previously lost.

She added: “Working for NHS24 was something I never thought I could do as a job, but after the four weeks, I realised I had a passion for this career. 

“It gave me a routine back, which helped my health and mental health and when I secured an interview at the end of the course, I knew it’s what I wanted to do, so I was ecstatic when I got the job.

“I’ve been working as a call handler for NHS24 for over a year now and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I love it. 

“It’s given me pride and a passion – something that was lost to me for years.”

Louise Greenlees, president of the parent company of TK Maxx, TJX Europe, said: “We’re delighted and very proud to continue to partner with The Prince’s Trust to sponsor these awards, and to recognise those young people who, with the help of the Trust, have beaten the odds to turn their lives around.  

“We’re humbled by their achievement and grateful for the opportunity to share in their celebration.”