Cheryl Cole Saved By 'Love Of Music'
11:45, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Cheryl Cole has opened up about her difficult childhood on a visit to her hometown on Newcastle.
The Call My Name singer was in the North East catching up with her charity, The Cheryl Cole Foundation, which she set up in February 2011 in association with the Prince's Trust.
In a letter published by The Mirror, Cheryl has now written about the aims of her charity and how she wants to help kids in a similar situation to her own.
"I had a tough upbringing and didnt have many privileges as a child. I classed that as normal because it was all Id ever known. I know what disadvantaged young people go through. I understand it. I get it.
"Growing up in an underprivileged environment can sometimes mean youre surrounded by the wrong people and you make the wrong decisions. Being educated about the different paths you can take in life is vital especially during your school years.
"I had a horrible time as a teenager and wasnt very confident. Between the ages of 16 and 18, I was also in a horrible relationship.
"If I hadnt had a love for music, I could have gone down a different path and become lost.
"I get a lot of letters from fans saying that Ive inspired them to go for their dreams because of my background.
"Before I set up The Cheryl Cole Foundation, it had been niggling at me for quite a while to find a way to give back. I had an overwhelming sense of wanting to do something, so I set up the foundation! .
"I decided that the foundation should help the work of The Princes Trust because it of its incredible work with young people.
"When I was a teenager, I knew The Princes Trust was the place to go if you wanted to change your life. I have always admired the Prince of Wales for his charity work. He really cares about our youth and wants to make a difference to young peoples lives.
"Money raised through my foundation will support The Trusts work in schools in the North East.
"Initially the funds will help to run three Princes Trust xl clubs for the next two years. These clubs support pupils who are at risk of exclusion or underachievement at school. They give young people a reason to stay in school and achieve qualifications.
"The North East feels like a good place to start because its my home and I want to show young people that just because you come from a disadvantaged area, it doesnt make you less of a person.
"The other week, I visited young people who have benefited from xl clubs in the North East. I wanted to hear their stories to see where they have come from and what they are achieving.
"I met Dean who decided to leave school after being bullied and losing his grandad. I heard how he had lost all his confidence and how he had struggled with school.
"But because Deans new school had a Princes Trust xl club, he was able to get help. Im really pleased to say he settled back into school and finished his GCSEs.
"I also met Jade, whose father tragically passed away eight years ago. After this happened, and at a time when she needed support from friends, she was bullied its no surprise that she dreaded school.
"Jade was given one-to-one support, again thanks to The Trusts xl club. Her confidence grew and she started to find herself again. She now has GCSEs, is working part time as a care assistant, and is studying for an NVQ in the hope of going to university. Another inspirational story.
"These young people and their amazing accounts made my lat! est visi t to the North East unforgettable. They are important stories that have made me more determined than ever to drive my foundation forward and help other youngsters.
"To take just one young person who has started off in an underprivileged home and then to come back in a couple of years to find that their life has changed and they are a confident young adult would be incredible."
Watch MTV News on the hour every hour on MTV - Sky Channel 126 and Virgin Channel 311