Born in Wales, I spent my early years in Milton Keynes, a city witnessing my first happy memories and darkest moments. My father, Tony, and mother, Vicky, raised me alongside my siblings Ian, Lorraine, and Dawn. Yet, amid the chaos of my early life, tragedy struck. I was barely seven when I witnessed the harrowing aftermath of a family tragedy. This event would mark the beginning of a long and painful journey.
By the age of seven, alcohol and drugs became my companions. In my young mind, they were the means to block out the suffering and confusion that engulfed me. My path was marred by a relentless descent into substance misuse, from early encounters with alcohol and cannabis to experimenting with amphetamines, LSD, and eventually cocaine and crack. My life became a cycle of self-destruction: chronic school truancy, criminal activities, and numerous stints in prison. The weight of abuse, grief, and a fractured sense of self was overwhelming, and I hid behind the mask of substance dependency.
I recount these experiences not with pride but to illustrate the steep valley from which I climbed. During one of my many prison sentences, a lonely stretch in Winchester after serving time in 19 different prisons, I encountered a turning point. In that bleak setting, I met individuals who had forged a path away from the wreckage of their past lives. Among them was Anthony Reith, a man who had once been entangled in the same destructive cycle as I was, yet had chosen to invest in his recovery. Another significant moment came when I attended a recovery meeting where a gentleman called Romeo shared his experiences. His words struck a chord deep within me. At that moment, I recognised that I no longer wished to live a life of dishonesty and criminality.
On the 13th of August 2015, while still in custody, I made a conscious decision to change. I smouldered the last remnants of my former self, retreating into a solitary cell where I began the painstaking process of rebuilding my life from scratch. There were many battles ahead with my inner demons, with the shame of past mistakes, and an endless cycle of relapse. Yet, each day, I made my amends, learning that genuine change is a gradual process built on honesty, responsibility, and the willingness to confront one’s past.
After years of striving to live an honest life both inside and outside the prison walls, I began to find meaning in recovery. I represented myself in court to regain access to my son. Although rebuilding that relationship remains a work in progress, it symbolised the promise of a new beginning. I became actively involved in recovery meetings and even took on a role in the prison council, helping spread the message that change is possible, even in the darkest circumstances.
During one of these pivotal moments, Circuit Club was born — a community urban circuit club conceived not just as a fitness initiative but as a means to harness the energy of transformation. Together with my friend, another soul who had battled addiction and found his way back to recovery, we began to train in public open spaces. What started with a handful of individuals soon grew as people from all walks of life joined us to share in the journey of physical and mental rehabilitation.
Circuit Club is more than just exercise — it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to push each other, support each other, and grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Whether you’re overcoming personal struggles, looking to build discipline, or simply searching for a welcoming fitness community, this is a space where everyone belongs.
Through high-energy sessions built on challenge, accountability, and mutual support, we help people move forward — whether that means breaking through personal barriers, finding motivation, or just enjoying the journey of self-improvement.
As Circuit Club continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of movement — not just for physical fitness, but for mental resilience, confidence, and positive change. This isn’t just a workout; it’s a community, a mindset, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
