Former prisoner meets prince after beating thousands to runner-up prize (From Enfield Independent)

Former prisoner meets prince after beating thousands to runner-up prize

10:24am Thursday 2nd April 2009 in News By Sarah Cosgrove

A FORMER offender who started a successful business in prison met the Prince of Wales when she was honoured at an award ceremony.

Gina Moffatt was runner-up in the Prince's Trust Capgemini Enterprise Award and took to the stage with HRH The Prince of Wales and actor Michael Sheen OBE, star of The Damned United, on Monday.

She met the VIPs in front of a 1,500-strong crowd as a short film about her achievements was shown.

Two years ago Ms Moffatt, 33, from Enfield, was serving a long sentence in Holloway Prison.

She worried about what she would do to support her twin daughters on her return.

But, with the help of a loan from The Prince’s Trust, she set up a floristry business, Blooming Scent, now based in Tottenham’s Bernie Grant Centre.

Now she can count Dragons' Den tycoon James Caan as one of her customers.

She said: "To think how much my life has changed in the last few years is amazing. I was a convicted prisoner looking at life on benefits when I was inside but now thanks to The Prince's Trust I am a successful businesswoman with my future ahead of me."

The competition is now in its fifth year and recognises the achievements of young people who have succeeded against the odds.