Charlie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of sport to change lives. Originally from Brighton, Charlie faced immense challenges from a young age. At 13, he moved in with his grandmother after feeling pressure to come out as gay, which strained family relations. Sadly, when his grandmother passed away when he was 17, Charlie found himself homeless for the first time, relying on friends for a place to sleep.

Despite securing a private tenancy, the financial burden proved too much, and Charlie faced homelessness once more. In 2023, after moving to Sheffield with his boyfriend, a relationship breakdown left him homeless for the third time. It was during this difficult period that Charlie attempted to take his own life.

However, hope arrived in the form of the South Yorkshire youth homelessness charity, Roundabout. They provided Charlie with a flat and access to counselling services, which marked the beginning of a new chapter. Feeling lonely in his new home, Charlie turned to ice skating as a way to make friends and find purpose.

The ice rink became a place of solace and opportunity. Charlie’s dedication and talent shone through as he represented Great Britain at the Celje Ice Cup in Slovenia, winning gold medals in both the artistic performance and free skating categories. His achievements on the ice are a testament to his determination and newfound passion.

Now 23, Charlie practises for 20 hours a week while balancing work and studies at Doncaster College. His dream is to compete in the Olympics, a goal that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

Charlie’s incredible journey from homelessness to ice skating success is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. If you’re inspired by stories of transformation and are considering a move to a supportive community like Sheffield, we at Sawyer & Co are here to help you find a place to call home.

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