Marlow’s Story: From Volunteer to Award-Winning Filmmaker
Meet Marlow — 17 going on 30 — a college student currently studying economics, with a passion for film and editing. When he first joined Wot Wud U Do as a volunteer a few months ago, it was simply to get behind a camera and build his creative skills. But what unfolded has been far more powerful than either of us expected.
Back then, we were both struck by how few meaningful opportunities existed for young people like Marlow to explore their interests and talents. So, together, we started building something — a marketing plan that could not only help him develop hands-on experience, but also raise awareness of Wot Wud U Do’s mission in the process.
At Wot Wud U Do, everything starts with lived experience. We challenged Marlow to create a blog about a topic close to his heart — something he not only understood deeply but also believed more people needed to talk about. Having been diagnosed with additional needs and having struggled through mainstream school, he bravely chose to write about his experiences with bullying. You can read his heartfelt and honest blog here.
But Marlow didn’t stop there.
Over the following months, he helped us plan and deliver a series of street interviews, asking the public:
“Wot Wud U Do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”
Not only did Marlow film the interviews, but he was also given full creative control over the editing — and the results speak volumes. His work captured authentic moments, real voices, and powerful ideas — all through the lens of a young person finding his place and purpose.
Which brings us to today — this very week, Marlow was recognised with the University of Central Lancashire’s Community Volunteer of the Year Award 2025.
