A young Mitcham businessman, who turned his life around after a difficult start, got to meet American pop star Will.i.am as he announced a £500,000 charity donation.

Jarred King, 25, told the pop star how The Prince’s Trust had helped him set up his own business after growing up among friends who got caught up in drugs and violence.

After leaving school at 16, he started selling things on EBay and dreaming of setting up his own business but did not know where to start.

He eventually set up My T-Shirt Flashes, a company that makes t-shirts built with electrolumonesent panels that flash to sound, with BBC Radio One among his clients.

He said: “I’m so glad that, thanks to The Prince’s Trust, I got the chance to do something I love and make a good future for myself.”

“Meeting will.i.am was amazing and it’s great that with his support, The Trust will be able to help more young people like me to fulfil their potential.”

Will.i.am said: “Working with The Prince’s Trust, I am joining the mission to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people living in under-privileged neighbourhoods.

“My donation to The Trust will help these young people build skills that are vital in today’s and tomorrow’s job market including technology and computer knowledge.”

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