From Care to Where? New Trail Running Community Project 2024

David entered the care system when he was three months old. He lived with nine foster families and experienced two spells in secure units before his 17th birthday. Then, David found the running community via a family who recognised untapped potential in him, not just as a runner, but as a man.

 

The statistics are shocking: in 2022, just 1% of children in England were in care, but 59% of children in custody in England were care experienced. That was David's path, too, but he found a new one through road and trail running. A path that led him to the start line of the world's most iconic mountain trail running race, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, in August 2023, as part of John McAvoy's Trail Running Alpine Run Project - a campaign to get young people from urban environments moving in nature Trail Running, at home and abroad.

 

David will lead and mentor young people in or leaving care, focusing on the outstanding natural beauty of the North Downs Way to help prevent them from becoming another statistic in the care system and allowing them to dream.

 

What we'll deliver:

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• Mentoring and coaching from people with lived experience.

• Six new good quality mountain bikes for young people living in care.to use on the project.

• Three new bell tents to use for camping adventures.

• Three new stand-up paddle boards.

 

Why it's a great idea:

 

Young people joining this project will experience the thrill of trail running, mountain biking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and any other outdoor activity they choose to pursue on the Folkestone Downs, North Downs Way and coastal areas of Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe.

 

The most important benefit, however, will be the inspiration they gain through the relationship they build with David, someone who's been through what they are going through and comes out the other side by throwing himself into the activities they will be participating in.

 

There is no substitute for having projects led by people with lived experience, and few have the lived experience of David regarding the care system, survival, and a story that can connect and inspire young people who are currently struggling.

 

Ultimately, this project will help keep young people in or leaving care, becoming one of the statistics, the trends of which suggest a majority will otherwise end up in the criminal justice system.

 

Steps to get it done:

• Through this project, we shall support up to 20 young people in or leaving care over one year.

• Participants and their carers will report better health and mental health after participating.

• Some young people taking part will be inspired to pursue a career in the outdoor fitness industry.