A SOUTHAMPTON teenager has been left “overwhelmed” after discovering she is set to win an achiever award.

Megan Hamilton-Brown, 19, struggled with uncertainty when she was younger, leading her to develop severe anxiety, along with panic attacks.

But now TK Maxx employee Megan is due to collect the Ascential Educational Achiever Award on Monday.

Upon hearing about her award win, Megan said: “I was so happy when I found out - it’s crazy to be honest. It’s a big thing for me. I was just happy to be nominated so to win is very overwhelming.”

Megan’s education was hindered by her anxiety, meaning she was home schooled up until her GCSEs, when her panic attacks and anxiety prevented her from sitting her exams.

After she had finished at school she struggled to apply for jobs, and had difficulty even leaving the house.

But at the Job Centre, she discovered the Prince’s Trust and what the charity had to offer, and went on to get involved with the Fairbridge Programme.

The programme itself is free and available for people aged between 11-25. The scheme focuses on developing skills and confidence through a mixture of group activities and one-to-one support.

Megan gained work experience and completed the Get into Retail programme with The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx. This gave Megan the ability and confidence to secure a Sales Executive position.

The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise the achievements of young people who have succeeded against the odds and those who have improved their chances in life.

Many of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust are: facing issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

The award show takes place at One Moorgate Place, London, on October 14.