A woman who grew up in care then set up a Christmas project in memory of a best friend who committed suicide has won a prestigious award. 

Shalyce Lawrence, 26, of Peel Close in Chingford, grew up in the care service with her elder brother Fimean, and Tope, 23, from Walthamstow. 

Together, Ms Lawrence and Tope spent most of their time working at Barnardo's Children's Rights Service in Church Hill, Walthamstow, up until Mr Hassan took his own life in September 2010. 

Before his death, tope had launched his own project in Leyton, called 'Bunny Week' which effectively worked as a youth centre for children during and after care, and had recently re-decorated his flat and bought his 'dream car'.  

His death was a complete "shock" to the whole community, Ms Lawrence said. 

"He was always happy and helping other people. No one had any idea. 

"Being around everyone and seeing them hurting so much was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

"I honestly believe he was not supported by the local authority. Like all of us, he went from being surrounded by loved people to being alone (after care). It is a massive transition."

Following his death, Ms Lawrence set up the Tope project at her grandmother’s house in Tottenham. 

The youth-led volunteer project aims to combat loneliness for care leavers aged over 18, especially at Christmas time. 

Since 2010, Ms Lawrence and volunteers have organised a big party and festive dinner on Christmas Day for dozens of care leavers in Waltham Forest. 

She picked up The Leaving Care Award at the 2014 Children and Young People Now (C&YPN) Awards last Thursday, and received praise for her efforts from celebrity TV chef Lorraine Pascale and foster mum Debbie Douglas from The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE).