From the age of 16 Chris had problems at home and started drinking and taking drugs. He began his working life as a panel beater a job he held on to for four and a half years. 'I was pushed in to it at 17 by my mum and stepdad,’ he says. 'It was a case of "get a trade or get out.

The pay was good but Chris found it completely unfulfilling. 'My character changed from lively and determined to aggressive and depressed ' it was scary. Although I hated it, I was afraid to give up my job because at the time it seemed to be my only link with the future,' he recalls.

It didn't help that Chris's employer was prepared to put up with his habits: he was expected to be a problem case, so all he was doing was living up to those expectations.

The turning point was being admitted to hospital and knowing he'd reached rock bottom. 'I had to take charge of my life,' he says, 'and the only way to do that was to leave my job and start again.'

When an aunt told him about The Prince's Trust he decided to take part in one of their week-long youth activity programmes in Wales. To his great surprise, he loved it.

Soon after, Chris was offered the chance to join Raleigh’s Youth Development Scheme. 'It was brilliant, the best thing I had done so far,' he says. He still battled with his old habits but managed, with support, to prepare and raise money for a three-month expedition to Belize in the Summer of '98 - exactly the sort of trip that we’ll be covering later this year with lifebyte travellers Oli and Tom.

During the expedition, Chris discovered qualities he never knew he had, including leadership, confidence and self-motivation. He’s been able to use those qualities to build a new career and look forward to the future he’s chosen.

'It's about finding the courage to make a change, to challenge yourself and set new, realistic goals,' he says. 'Try it!'

Find out more about Chris and the Youth Development Programme at www.raleigh.org.uk.

– Alison Rolle 20.06.00