Lancashire entrepreneur, investor and motivational speaker Antony Chesworth attended a summer gala hosted by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, to raise awareness of OnSide Youth Zones.
The black-tie, invitation-only event was the prince’s first official engagement since his high-profile wedding, and was held within the gardens of the 17th century Kensington Palace.
It was organised in recognition of the work done by the OnSide Youth Zone, which helps around 40,000 8-to-19-year-olds around the UK by providing a safe environment and activities such as dance, drama and sport.
A special dinner included comedy from the multi-talented David Walliams, speeches by Prince Harry and charity founder John Roberts, before 80s pop-star Rick Astley closed the evening with his music.
Both supporters and patrons of the charity as well as youngsters who have benefited from its services were in attendance, many of the latter showing off the arts, music and dance skills learned through OnSide’s many projects and services.
Chesworth, who founded Fulwood-based ecommerce specialist
EKM.com from his bedroom and turned it into a multi-million-pound, international business, attended the event with friends and colleagues from the business world.
Chesworth said: “The gala was an incredible event where I met with so many inspiring people – and of course it was great to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Prince Harry!”
OnSide Youth Zone expanded its services into Chesworth’s home county of Lancashire last month, when a new £4.8m facility – named ‘Inspire’ – opened in Chorley.
He added: “The OnSide Youth Zone is a great project doing very important work for the country’s youth. It deserves recognition for all it has achieved so far and to see the prince take such a keen interest in the kids and their projects made for a wonderful event.”
