A PENARTH man who spent his teen years addicted to drugs has turned his life around - completing his first marathon.
When Noah King was 13 years old, he started using drugs - what began as occasionally smoking cannabis and using other substances became an addiction and by the age of 15 he was using drugs - including cocaine, Valium, prescription pills, and marijuana - most days.
“I started using at 13, and by the time I was 15 it was most days,” said Mr King.
“I was using Valium, cocaine, weed, and prescription pills. I was always depressed as a kid, and I never knew why.
“About a year and a half ago, I went for a run and decided I wanted to stop taking drugs; it took a couple of tries but thankfully I’m clean now.
“I run every day and I feel so much better. I’ve never looked back.”
Mr King, who is now 22, decided to put his new-found high [running] to good use, taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021 - he completed the 26.2 miles in four and a half hours, raising more than £1,000 for charity.
“The London Marathon was very challenging,” admitted Mr King.
“Especially halfway through – it was a big struggle, but I completed it in four and a half hours and hope to finish it quicker when I [hopefully] take part next year.”
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He used the mammoth challenge to raise money for Whizz-Kidz, a charity which helps young wheelchair users across the UK and supports them into becoming confident and independent young adults.
“Whizz-Kids helps children with disabilities, but also helps the mental health of young people, so it felt meaningful,” said Mr King.
“Completing a marathon was a big step for me and I’ve raised more than £1,000 but I’m hoping to raise £2,000.”
Mr King’s fundraising page is still open for donations – if you’d like to donate visit https://bit.ly/3mNBVge
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