A PARTINGTON man who turned his life around after being severely bullied has been honoured at a star-studded Prince's Trust ceremony.

Alec McDermott, 21, was a runner up for an award at The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx Celebrate Success Awards.

Alec picked up his runner up prize for the HSBC Breakthrough Award at a red carpet ceremony, hosted by Ant and Dec, held at the Palladium in London on March 15.

The Prince of Wales, founder and president of The Prince’s Trust, attended the event.

Thierry Henry, Claudia Winkleman, Emilia Fox, Gemma Arterton, Phillip Schofield and Nick Grimshaw were among the celebrities who attended

Alec said: “It’s amazing to have been nominated and shortlisted to the final three. Two years ago I was in a dark place, my depression was getting worse but The Prince’s Trust pulled me back up. It’s feels incredible.”

The awards recognise disadvantaged young people who have overcome issues such as abuse, drug addiction, homelessness, depression and unemployment.

Alec was one of just three people across the UK to be nominated for the HSBC Breakthrough Award

He was just two when the bullying started. It continued as he grew older and became more extreme: he was kicked and intimidated, had money and possessions stolen from him, and was shot repeatedly with ball bearing guns. He self-harmed, believing it was the only thing he could control.

“It was a time in my life I wish I could forget. For ages it felt like it was me, my sister and mum against the world – it wasn’t nice.”

Alec’s father left when he was young, and when his mum met her new partner, Tim, Alec finally felt like he had the father figure he’d craved. Tragically, Tim died four years later and, unable to cope, Alec made several suicide attempts and was moved to a psychiatric unit, before being sent to a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).

But the bullying continued outside the unit and Alec became reclusive. A support service called Stronger Families recommended he try Get Started with Radio, a Prince’s Trust programme.

Alec became a valued member of the group, co-produced a one-hour live radio show and gained his Bronze Arts Award.

He has just secured his door supervisor licence and is looking to secure work in this area while studying creative media at Salford City College.

Ian Stuart, CEO HSBC UK said: “We are so impressed with how hard Alec has worked to gain new skills and build a future for himself. We hope that the recognition he got today will be an encouragement to go on and do more great things.”