Forever Young People are proud to have some incredible ambassadors committed to supporting our work in being the best provider of youth mentoring and support services in Hertfordshire.
Chris had a tumultuous early life which led him down a path of criminality which resulted in him spending a large amount of time in several prisons. While being chased by authorities, he was engaged in a motorbike accident that resulted in the loss of one arm. This plunged him into a downward spiral of depression and self-loathing, and he was also condemned to a longer stay inside.
Chris realised he didn’t want to keep going through this cycle, so he decided to make some changes. He began reading, practicing self-improvement, and researching studies on adverse childhood experiences, as well as the links between early trauma and repeat offenders.
Chris has since transformed his life and currently speaks at institutions such as jails, schools, and businesses, where he gives speeches about his personal experiences to inspire and promote hope.
Chris had a tumultuous early life which led him down a path of criminality which resulted in him spending a large amount of time in several prisons. While being chased by authorities, he was engaged in a motorbike accident that resulted in the loss of one arm. This plunged him into a downward spiral of depression and self-loathing, and he was also condemned to a longer stay inside.
Chris realised he didn’t want to keep going through this cycle, so he decided to make some changes. He began reading, practicing self-improvement, and researching studies on adverse childhood experiences, as well as the links between early trauma and repeat offenders.
Chris has since transformed his life and currently speaks at institutions such as jails, schools, and businesses, where he gives speeches about his personal experiences to inspire and promote hope.
Ashley McKenzie was introduced to the sport at the age of 11 after getting into a battle with a boy who stole his Pokemon card. He joined Moberly Judo Club and eventually befriended his adversary.
Ashley has frequently stated that the sport kept him out of prison, providing him with a platform to make his Olympic debut in London 2012 and compete again in Rio 2016. McKenzie’s finest triumph came in 2014, when he won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
McKenzie has also had a successful television career, appearing on shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs on the Farm, and Celebrity Ex on the Beach.
Poppy is a young RC racing driver with a deep love of RC racing and an even greater determination to keep improving. What began as a fun hobby quickly became a genuine passion, and she now spends many weekends travelling to race meetings, learning from every lap and enjoying being part of the incredible RC racing community. As a young female competitor that remains predominately male, Poppy enjoys challenging expectations and hopes her journey encourages others.
One of the things people notice most about Poppy is her willingness to keep trying, even when things are difficult. Whether she’s chasing a faster lap time, learning a new skill or working through a challenging race weekend, she approaches everything with positivity, resilience and a smile. She loves the friendships and opportunities that racing has given her and is excited to see where the journey takes her next.
Poppy is proud to be involved with Para is Power because its message resonates strongly with her. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions, challenge expectations and be recognised for what they can achieve.
Through RC racing, Poppy hopes to show that success is not simply about winning. It is about having the confidence to try something new, overcoming setbacks, learning from mistakes and continuing to move forward. She wants other young people to know that they should never let perceived barriers stop them from taking part in something they love.
Poppy competes in electric touring car racing at club, regional and national levels, regularly racing against experienced competitors and continually pushing herself to improve. She has developed a strong understanding of the sport, both as a driver and as part of a team and enjoys every opportunity to learn and grow.
Her long-term ambition is to compete on the biggest stages in RC racing, including future European Championship events. However, she is equally proud of the personal growth that racing has given her, helping her build confidence, resilience, independence and self-belief.
Poppy’s message is simple:
Don’t be afraid to have a go. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to be the best straight away. Every achievement starts with taking that first step, believing in yourself and refusing to give up when things get tough.
She hopes that by sharing her journey, she can encourage others to be confident, chase their own goals and recognise that their potential is often far greater than they realise.
Poppy is a young RC racing driver with a deep love of RC racing and an even greater determination to keep improving. What began as a fun hobby quickly became a genuine passion, and she now spends many weekends travelling to race meetings, learning from every lap and enjoying being part of the incredible RC racing community. As a young female competitor that remains predominately male, Poppy enjoys challenging expectations and hopes her journey encourages others.
One of the things people notice most about Poppy is her willingness to keep trying, even when things are difficult. Whether she’s chasing a faster lap time, learning a new skill or working through a challenging race weekend, she approaches everything with positivity, resilience and a smile. She loves the friendships and opportunities that racing has given her and is excited to see where the journey takes her next.
Poppy is proud to be involved with Para is Power because its message resonates strongly with her. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions, challenge expectations and be recognised for what they can achieve.
Through RC racing, Poppy hopes to show that success is not simply about winning. It is about having the confidence to try something new, overcoming setbacks, learning from mistakes and continuing to move forward. She wants other young people to know that they should never let perceived barriers stop them from taking part in something they love.
Poppy competes in electric touring car racing at club, regional and national levels, regularly racing against experienced competitors and continually pushing herself to improve. She has developed a strong understanding of the sport, both as a driver and as part of a team and enjoys every opportunity to learn and grow.
Her long-term ambition is to compete on the biggest stages in RC racing, including future European Championship events. However, she is equally proud of the personal growth that racing has given her, helping her build confidence, resilience, independence and self-belief.
Poppy’s message is simple:
Don’t be afraid to have a go. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to be the best straight away. Every achievement starts with taking that first step, believing in yourself and refusing to give up when things get tough.
She hopes that by sharing her journey, she can encourage others to be confident, chase their own goals and recognise that their potential is often far greater than they realise.
My name is Miller Flanagan, I am 20 years old, and I am founder of para is power, a business focused on using strength and conditioning, to empower disabled people to become more physically active and confident.
Being born with Cerebral Palsy myself and having experienced first-hand many of the barriers that disabled people can face through every day life, Through my own journey, from using a wheelchair and splints as a child to becoming a very independent and capable individual. an business owner and also England Cerebral Palsy footballer, Miller is passionate about showing what anything can be possible when you work at it.
Through his work, Miller aims to inspire and support disabled people of all ages to become stronger, more active and confident within themself.
I am the founder of Para is Power, I provide strength and conditioning sessions to individuals with disabilities, tailoring the sessions to the individuals needs and targets. alongside sessions I got into schools and different workplaces delivering motivational talks about my story, demonstrating that anything can be possible
my work focuses on adapting exercise around each individual’s abilities and needs, helping people develop strength, confidence and independence.
Key message:
My name is Miller Flanagan, I am 20 years old, and I am founder of para is power, a business focused on using strength and conditioning, to empower disabled people to become more physically active and confident.
Being born with Cerebral Palsy myself and having experienced first-hand many of the barriers that disabled people can face through every day life, Through my own journey, from using a wheelchair and splints as a child to becoming a very independent and capable individual. an business owner and also England Cerebral Palsy footballer, Miller is passionate about showing what anything can be possible when you work at it.
Through his work, Miller aims to inspire and support disabled people of all ages to become stronger, more active and confident within themself.
I am the founder of Para is Power, I provide strength and conditioning sessions to individuals with disabilities, tailoring the sessions to the individuals needs and targets. alongside sessions I got into schools and different workplaces delivering motivational talks about my story, demonstrating that anything can be possible
my work focuses on adapting exercise around each individual’s abilities and needs, helping people develop strength, confidence and independence.
Key message:
Forever Young People are dedicated to teenage mentoring programs and take great pride in mentoring young people throughout Hertfordshire.
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