How did you get involved with The Running Charity?

I started going when I was street homeless and attending a day centre in Kings Cross, where I went for free food and a warm place to be. Initially, The Running Charity meant I could spend another hour with people after the centre closed, but it quickly became a place that provided me with a community.

Why does being a former participant of the programme benefit the work you do with young people?

It enables me to fully understand where the young people might be coming from. I can draw from my own lived experience to relate to and build rapport with them easily. I think it also helps that young people know that there’s a way out of their situation. Interacting with someone that has run the same path as them gives them something to model.

What does your average day look like?

At the minute, lots of the young people want early training sessions, so my days are starting at around 7am. I quite like this as well, as it enables them to really get the most from the day. Then I’ll head off to the office, where I’ll catch up on some admin work and meet with more young people throughout the day before ending with a group session.

What would you say is your proudest achievement since working with us?

Running the London Marathon was a big moment for me. I didn’t even know running was a thing until I started running with The Running Charity, and when I started, a marathon seemed like such an impossible distance. To have put the effort in, to have trained and to have earnt the medal at the end was incredible.

What has been your best moment, personally?

There have been a load of great times since I began with the Charity, but the transition to becoming a full-time member of staff is something I’m really pleased about. It gives me the chance to be able to support other young people.

Why do you like working with young people?

I’m in my element working with young people from different backgrounds and experiences. With the experiences I’ve had in my life, I’m able to really appreciate where they’re at in their journey and provide them with non-judgmental support.

Away from The Running Charity, what keeps you busy?

I have a family now – a wife and child and that keeps me very busy. I also try to fit in my own training when I get the chance.

When did you start running and why? 

I started running as a way to spend more time with people and not go back to the streets alone. But it really took off when the I saw people of my age group who were able to run fast 5Ks when I was barely able to do a lap of the local car park. I wanted to be able to do it, too. The rest is history!

Tell us about your favourite race or run? 

The Hackney Half. I know the roads so well that I feel a sense of community and belonging.