Youngsters sign up for Alfie’s Army

THESE are some of the inspirational young people who are taking part in the challenge of a lifetime under the watchful eye of an international rugby hero.

They are all training to complete the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon on October 1.

They have a very special helper, with former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas on their journey from novice runner to Cardiff half finisher.

This year, Alfie’s Army will be made up of 17 to 21-year-olds. They will join a record 25,000 runners on the start line in Cardiff city centre before taking on the course.

One of those running will be Keyon Davies, who turned to drink and drugs when his father died. He had been living on the streets before his nan introduced him to charity The Prince’s Trust.

Four years later he is inspiring other young people and is leading a team of young ambassadors on the start line.

He said: “It may sound like a cliché, but The Prince’s Trust saved my life when I first got involved with them four years ago. My dad took his own life, which put me in a horrible place. I was drinking and taking drugs, before my nan got me involved with The Prince’s Trust.

“The Team programme they run got me off the drink and drugs and into a stable home. I wanted to give as much as I could back so I became an ambassador for the Trust, recruiting others to help turn their lives around. I’ve settled down now and jumped at the chance to get involved in Alfie’s Army.

“It was amazing to meet Alfie and the others for our first training run. He took us aside, away from the TV cameras, and told us in no uncertain terms about how committed he is to this project and what he expects from us. It’s really got me going. I’ve already got blisters from running so much, and I’m up to seven miles already – I’m quietly confident.”

Another runner who has seen what Alfie’s support can do is Pro Nails Juniors captain Nathan Williams. His mum Lisa completed the race thanks to Alfie and international running coach James Thie.

The running bug caught on in the family, and business student Nathan is relishing a golden opportunity to follow in his mum’s footsteps with team-mates Jessica and Liam James, Cari Griffiths and Mari Lewis.

“It was amazing to see the change in my mum when she started the programme last year. She would come home from her training runs and she would be happier and de-stressed.

“I’ve never enjoyed running, I found it boring, but it’s inspiring to be a part of a group who are all in it together.”

Gareth Thomas said: “I’m excited about working with this group, but for the first time, I’m extremely afraid as well. These youngsters are waiting for the next phase in their lives and we want to enhance that.

“It will be tougher than any process we’ve done before, but also more rewarding at the end of it.”