A FORMER student at Treetops School in Grays, who has gone on to achieve great things in his post academic life, will be returning to the school next month to open a classroom named after him in recognition of his efforts as a fundraising supporter.

Samuel Turner attended Treetops between 2006 and 2016 before leaving Thurrock when his parents Jacky and Barry moved to Carmarthenshire in Wales on their retirement in 2019.

In the interim he attended Seevic College and Thurrock Adult Community College.

In the principality he has become well-known for his writing, filmmaking work and fundraising.

Samuel Turner, with (from left) his PA Mel Clark, mum Jacky and dad Barry.

Samuel is no stranger to supporting good causes and being in the limelight, having won several awards for his efforts, shining the spotlight on autism and supporting charities.

He is an accomplished short film maker, having started making when he was just 11 years old and in 2019 won an award at the Wales International Film Festival in Neath for his short film about overcoming the obstacles of living with autism.

His previous "interesting, surreal and inspiring films" include The Story of the Vegetable Man (which won him the Southend Film Festival Short Film Competition in 2012), The Referendum Day of Gibraltar and A Disability Matter of War.

His achievements also include writing a book called 'The Autistic Side of Love'.

Samuel has also raised more than £2,000 for the charity Cerebra UK – which has its headquarters in Carmarthen – by doing runs, and community events. He was nominated by Cerebra, and won Fundraiser of the Year' in Wales in 2020 and in the same year featured in the Pride of Britain Awards.

But he has never forgotten his connection with Treetops.

In April this year Thurrock Nub News reported on a sponsored swim he undertook, which raised hundreds of pounds for his old school.

After his fundraising efforts, Treetops informed Samuel that they've going to dedicate his surname to a classroom.

Samuel says: "The school described me as a role model for the students and I feel like a family member of the school. If Treetops hadn't been there for me while living with autism, I would've been kicked out or expelled at other schools."

Samuel wears his FOTS top with pride.

Samuel is also a (Friends of Treetops School (FOTS) honorary member.

He says: "Returning to Treetops for this honour is like a dream job. I can only offer a massive thanks to the school for it's amazing gesture."

Samuel, who describes the prospect as 'like returning home', will be unveiling the new classroom name on Friday, 4 October at 2pm.

Next year Samuel is about to do another sponsored event for Treetops when he undertakes a tricycle ride around Carmarthenshire.