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BGT champ Tokio Myers to spend his £250,000 prize on an incredible cause

Pledge inspired by devastating childhood tragedy

He wowed millions of viewers with his amazing musicianship and awe-inspiring theatrics on Britain’s Got Talent.

But it seems that this year’s winner Tokio Myers is more than just a brilliant performer – he’s got a heart of gold, too.

The 32-year-old Londoner has revealed that he plans to spend his massive £250,000 prize on helping to keep vulnerable kids away from the lure of gang life.

And it all stems from a devastating tragedy that affected him when he was 11 years old.

Tokio was a pupil at St George’s Catholic School in Maida Vale, West London, when headteacher Philip Lawrence was stabbed to death in 1995.

The assailant, 15-year-old Learco Chindamo, was the leader of a local gang that had come to the school to confront a boy they felt had insulted them. Chindamo was jailed for a minimum of 12 years for the murder.

Read more: Is BGT winner “the most talented person ever to have been on the show”?

Now, Tokio wants to use his cash windfall to help keep young people on the straight and narrow – by educating them about the benefits of artistic pursuits.

“I had music to really channel my energy and [help me to] stay on a positive path,” he told Good Morning Britain.

“It’s OK to be different, and I want to be at the forefront of that.”

An average of 8.2 million viewers tuned in as Tokio fended off the challenge of young magician Issy Simpson and comedian Daliso Chopanda to win the 11th series of the popular ITV talent contest.

Simon Cowell described his act as “absolutely breathtakingly good”, while former winners Diversity – who performed last night – labelled Tokio “the most talented person ever to have been on the show.”

Read more: Can DNA ever get over making such a big faux pas in their Britain’s Got Talent routine?

Now, the former session musician, who’s supported Kanye West and counted Amy Winehouse as one of his friends, is hoping he can be just as successful in turning young people’s lives around.

He gets a yes from us!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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