IT has been a transformational three years in the young life of Oliver Reece-Woods, who has autism.

As a 12-year-old back in 2016, Oliver, from Laffak, was experiencing a difficult time in Year 8 at the secondary school where he was studying.

His mum Lisa Woods says he was labelled as “naughty and problematic” and left midway through the academic year to transfer to Rainford High School.

It was there that the youngster blossomed and he turned his attention to creating a positive future for himself.

Now 15, Oliver, said: “I knew I wanted to do something positive.

“I wanted people to see the positivity every day and then I thought that people wear clothes every day.”

Inspired by the concept of offering a sense of optimism to people’s lives, Oliver launched his own brand, Oliver Jude Clothing.

With the help of his family and MD Productions, and especially its creative director Miguel Doforo, Oliver designed t-shirts with uplifting messages on them such as “I am Joy”.

Oliver said: “They have messages I have been told such as to ‘believe in yourself’.

“They have always been a help for me.”

The impact of Oliver’s brand has spread far and wide on social media, catching the attention of celebrities such as reality TV personality Gemma Collins and The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward.

After receiving his award, Oliver was quick to thank Miguel as well as the stars, who have raised awareness of his brand.

“Miguel has changed my life,” Oliver said.

“I would like to say thank you to all my celebrity clients. They have always given me massive support.

“The award means the absolute world to me and I was not expecting it.”

Oliver was nominated for a North West positivity award this year as well.

Kind-hearted 19-year-old Callum Lyon from Clinkham Wood, who has been cleaning up his community since the age of eight, was highly commended. Selfless Callum,who has special needs, has been picking up rubbish off the streets for 11 years.

He is now studying Learning Life Skills at St Helens College.

Nine-year old Jack Lea was also highly commended in the category. After his great auntie Marie was given her dying wish thanks to the HoneyRose Foundation, Jack made it his mission, despite his young age, to do all he could to thank the charity.

The Legh Vale Primary School pupil has taken on many events to raise funds for the charity, including a Mini Mudder, Liverpool Spring 1k and Bear Grylls Survival training.

Most recently he conquered Mount Snowdown with proud mum and dad Joanne and Chris.

n sthelensstar.co.uk