A troubled teenager who was kicked out of mainstream education has turned his life around and set his sights on completing the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46.

Rhys Hampton, from Doncaster, left school in Year 7 after behavioural issues constantly hindered the learning of those around him.

He had been to many pupil referral units throughout his life, but struggled with education and started getting into trouble for violence after falling in with the wrong crowd.

However, after taking part in the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s ‘Get on Track’ programme in 2017, he shifted his focus onto developing himself.

Through the Trust, Rhys is now taking part in the PruGOals programme, which is working with 500 youngsters aged 16-18 to build their confidence and support them as they prepare to take on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 on July 29.

“I signed up for the PruGOals programme as it was something new and I wanted to get involved in meeting new people and getting on with new people,” he said.

“I’m hoping to achieve something that I never thought I could achieve previously. Before PruGOals, I just used to bike a lot with mates and we would ride all over.

“My goal for Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 is to complete it and feel happy that I managed to achieve something so special.”

Rhys said he has a passion for bike riding and loves going to skate parks with his mates, but he now wants to put his skills to the ultimate test.

As part of the PruGOals initiative, all of the participants have been provided with bikes, equipment, training and nutrition and well-being advice.

Speaking at one of the regional training rides at the University of Sheffield, Rhys said the support he has received through the programme has been life-changing.

“It means a lot to me as it means I have a bike that I will use for the Prudential RideLondon -Surrey 46,” he said. “It’s basically like a medal to me.”

Prudential’s PruGOals programme is run in partnership with charity partners Greenhouse Sports, Transformation Trust, Centre Point, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Teach First.

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes was at the regional training rides to provide support to the youngsters as part of her role as a PruGOals ambassador.

She said: “I am really excited to be part of the PruGOals programme again. It’s great to inspire these young people to overcome the challenges in front of them and show there are opportunities for everyone, no matter what their background is.”

Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46, part of the world’s greatest festival of cycling, is a 46-mile ride on traffic free roads which finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Dame Kelly Holmes was speaking at the PruGOals training rides, an initiative set up by Prudential to empower young people to drive their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of social or economic background. For more information, visit prugoals.co.uk