My mother couldn’t look after me, my younger brother and sister, so we all got put into care. Growing up, we were all told that we we’re never going to get anywhere or do anything worthwhile with our lives.

When I was in school I didn’t think I was going to get anywhere or amount to much and had no motivation to do anything. It was only after finishing school a staff member told me to go on the Get On Track course. Before Get on Track I didn’t know where I was going to go and I didn’t know what I was going to do, but when the Trust came along, that all changed.

I wasn’t always the model participant and one session I messed around and threw a basketball across the classroom, which looking back I see was dangerous and irresponsible. At that point I realised how important the course was to me and remember walking off after thinking that was my last chance, I wasn’t going to have another one and I’d just blown it. I was shocked when Phillippa, my athlete mentor came to find me and said the course isn’t like that and everyone deserves another chance. I never thought someone that I had just met would think to give someone like me a second chance.

After that day I wanted to show them that because they believed in me and didn’t give up on me, I wasn’t going to give up on them. My confidence and focus grew so much from then on.

During the course I had a practice interview with a local leisure centre and one of the interviewers Nick said there was a job coming up in the café and he encouraged me to apply for it. I got that job and I love having it and working: to me it’s a huge responsibility. If I didn’t go onto this programme I know I wouldn’t have a job today.

Ten Year Anniversary Update

Since Get on Track I have been involved in all kinds of things. I have volunteered on other Get on Track programmes, giving back my time, helping and mentoring other young people on the programmes.

I was nominated for the Inspiring Young Person of the Year award at the Wales Sport Awards last year and was one of the final three. I've also spoken at the Welsh Assembly in front of the First Minister Carwyn Jones as well as visiting London to represent the Trust at City Hall.

I’m still working at the leisure centre and I absolutely love having it, I really enjoy the responsibility.

There isn’t anything out there like it and while I was lucky to have been put on the first Get on Track in Wales, I wish everyone could be given the chance and opportunity.