Royal Docks teacher wins Pride of Britain award
Francesca Brown has won a Pride of Britain award - Credit: Royal Docks Community School
A Custom House school is celebrating after a second staff member received a national award.
Francesca, centre, at the ceremony (Picture: Princes Trust) - Credit: Princes Trust
Francesca Brown, 25, who works at Royal Docks Community School received The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Award from Prince Charles at the Pride of Britain ceremony last night.
Headteacher Wendy Bower said: “We are absolutely thrilled. To have two awards is just unbelievable.”
Francesca’s award follows colleague Ray Coe’s Teacher of the Year award in 2014 after he donated a kidney to a pupil at the school.
Commenting on why Francesca is so special, head of physical education Tom Woolsgrove, 43, said: “She’s very, very focused. She is resilient and determined with a strong work ethic.”
Manchester-born Francesca set up her girls’ football development programme, Goals4Girls, to help young women deal with low self-esteem after overcoming her own mental illness.
Francesca said: “The biggest reward is watching the girls walk out onto the pitch or at training.
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“I’m passionate about helping other young women reach their full potential by giving them the encouragement and training they need, something I never had.”
Francesca was raised by her grandmother from the age of 13 after her parents separated.
She had suffered depression and was rushed to hospital on one occasion after attempting to take her own life.
Football was an escape for Francesca, whose skills gained her a place in Manchester City’s youth team.
She moved to London with only £10 in her pocket in an effort to turn her life around.
The Pride of Britain Awards 2016 is due to air on ITV at 8pm tonight.
