FRASER Johnstone was at his “lowest point” when he joined inclusive cycling charity Free Wheel North as a volunteer two months ago.

“I was really struggling,” says the 25-year-old, from Charing Cross.

“Coming here changed my life.”

Fraser grew up in care and left, he says, “with nothing".

“I started using drugs just to cope,” he says, frankly.

“I ended up homeless, for six months, in winter. I had to look in bins for food.

“Drugs ruined me. I was lost for about a year, I had no purpose. I moved to Glasgow from Ayrshire, and managed to get clean.

"I started going to a mental health charity but two months ago, I was at my lowest, it was really hard.

“Norman [founder] and Steve [a fellow Free Wheel North volunteer] suggested I come here, and they saved me.”

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Fraser is now running the community cafe at The White House in Maryhill, Free Wheel North’s cycling hub on the banks of the canal.

The group is a previous winner and finalist in the Glasgow Community Champion Awards, which launch today in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Wheatley Homes Glasgow and the Trades House of Glasgow.

“It’s been really busy - we’ve had a great response,” he says.

“I love volunteering, I love meeting people and hearing their stories. I eventually want to start an addiction recovery cafe here, to help others.

“I want to help the people who others just ignore, who say, ‘forget him, he’s not worth helping'."

He adds: “Sometimes all you need is for someone to give you a chance.”

The search is on for Glasgow's Community Champions of 2022. Nominate your local heroes online here.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, September 28.