movement, motivation, mindset

A passionate & dedicated coaching & community development team

MEET THE team

CARL

• founder

Carl spent 30 years on the low road of drugs and alcohol.

Running free of addiction to drugs and alcohol since August 2018, Carl started chasing good times through running and soon became a British Athletics coach to help others do the same.  

Starting as only an addict could - with ultra marathons - Carl stepped down in distance to take up marathons in 2020, going under 3hrs in his first five attempts under the guidance of coach Terry Skelton, with a personal best of 2h45m09s set in Verona, Italy in November of 2022, at the age of 47. 

Carl aims to better that in his fifties with the new life running has given him, while helping as many people as he can reconnect to the "primal and personal voice within that running awakens.”

Graziano

• Director of Football & The Inner Game

Graziano is a Performance Mental Coach dedicated to empowering athletes, teams, and leaders. With expertise spanning leadership, communication, and human development, he helps individuals unlock self-awareness, mental flexibility, focus, and confidence under pressure. As an Academy Football Coach at Crystal Palace F.C., Graziano contributes to nurturing young talent. His Mind On The Pitch program equips players with mental skills to thrive in competition. Graziano’s mission is to inspire growth, confidence and enjoyment in each and every participant he encounters at Primal Runners. In sport, and beyond.

gavin

• director of natural movement & lifestyle coach

Gavin helps people reconnect—with nature, with their communities, and with themselves. Whether it’s through mindful movement, breathwork, or simply slowing down and being outdoors, he supports individuals and groups in finding more balance, resilience, and clarity in their lives.

He has worked for over 30 years in the hospitality, wellness, and fitness industries, and brings that depth of experience to Primal Runners.

Much of his work focuses on creating space for those who are often left out—people from refugee backgrounds, those experiencing addiction or homelessness, or young people navigating tough life transitions. He’s seen firsthand how powerful it can be to reconnect with natural rhythms, especially when life feels overwhelming or disconnected.

He’s also a father of three and in his fifties now—so knows what it’s like to juggle life’s demands and still want to live with purpose, presence, and vitality. He offers both in-person and online coaching, as well as nature-based group work and corporate wellbeing support for businesses that want to create stronger, more human-centred teams.

gavin@primalroots.org.uk

Hannah

• primal life support

Hannah provides compassionate administration, guidance and signposting support for people from vulnerable and marginalised communities, helping them navigate services and access the support they need to thrive. With experience working in children’s care settings, pupil referral units and asylum support, Hannah brings a deep understanding of trauma-aware practice, safeguarding and emotional resilience. Her calm and grounded approach makes her a key part of our team — ensuring participants feel seen, supported and empowered as they build confidence, connection and belonging through Primal Runners.

hannah@primalroots.org.uk

david

• youth Director

In a world consumed by ego, quiet voices grow louder. True talent does not seek validation.

David is dedicated to revolutionising the system that forged his strength but continues to damage others. He's here to unlock the untapped potential in care-experienced youth, helping them see their journey as their greatest asset.

He knows that with support rooted in experience, they can become unstoppable.

Grateful to Kent Community Foundation, CCLA Good Investment, and the Salway Grassroots Fund for enabling this paid opportunity.

primal ambassadors

Our Primal Ambassadors are inspiring individuals who have each completed either our three-month Refuge in Movement programme or have come through our young persons program and now play a vital role supporting others on their journey. Drawing from their own lived experience of displacement, resettlement and rebuilding confidence, they act as mentors on our sessions, helping to break down language barriers, offering coaching tips, and bringing encouragement, empathy and kindness wherever they go. Their presence strengthens our community, showing new participants what is possible when people are welcomed, supported and given space to grow. They are living examples of resilience, leadership and the power of nature-based movement to transform lives — and they represent the heart of Primal Runners.