Ex-addict gets recognised

An ex-addict has been recognised for his efforts to get addicts and the homeless more active.

Carl Adams has been named in Lucozade Sport’s first Movers List as one of 50 individuals getting people moving.

The 44-year-old from Smarden co-founded the company Primal Roots in 2016 with friend Steve Denby, who inspired the business through a chance meeting.

Mr Adams said: “I spent my 20s and 30s running pubs and restaurants, having a good time but drinking too much and taking drugs.

“When my first daughter was born I knew I needed change and decided to go to the gym.

“I didn’t particularly enjoy it but I was committed.

“For the first six months I noticed someone shaking their head in the corner.

“When I eventually asked him why he was shaking his head, the man - who later turned out to be Steve - said I obviously wasn’t enjoying it or doing it right.

“He recommended we go outside and do workout sessions outdoors.

“After a few classes with him, I realised I felt at home.

“The only time before that was when I had my first proper drink at the age of 13.

“It’s not all about the body but the mind.

“People sometimes speak about addiction replacement as a bad thing, but in this context it was a great thing.”

The father-of-three now runs ultra-marathons, once running 215 miles across Scotland in 90 hours.

With his social enterprise company, people utilise woodlands as trail runs and fitness opportunities.

Paying customers subsidise free sessions for recovering addicts and the homeless, who Mr Adams says benefit from both the exercise and social outlet.

He said: “It’s not all about super fit people, we want people who want to make a change to come.

“We don’t realise what we’re capable of - it’s only when you push yourself that you find out what you can do.”

Visit www.primalroots.org.uk

Carl Adams’ work has been recognised