Pride of Australia Tasmanian Young Leader medallist Taylor Forward turns tragedy into triumph

A TRAGEDY in his teens provided an unlikely turning point for Taylor Forward.

Pride of Australia, Young Leader. Taylor Forward of Devonport

A TRAGEDY in his teens provided an unlikely turning point for Taylor Forward.

He suffered serious burns after a horrific accident involving alcohol when he was just 15.

He and his family then campaigned for law changes to make the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors, and won.

Taylor fought back from his injuries to secure a carpentry apprenticeship.

He later became a pastor and, for the past seven years, has dedicated himself to serving his community, working around Penguin and travelling as far afield as India.

Taylor was presented with the Young Leader medal at the Pride of Australia Tasmanian awards.

You now have the chance to vote for him in the national People’s Choice Award.

Visit www.themercury.com.au/prideofaustralia and then share your vote via the social media prompts, and nominate a friend to vote too!