A former gangster went from being a drug runner to running a community exercise group.
Glenn Hans, 36, is well-known for developing sports and arts in Hanover Park.
But before he cleaned up his act, the father of two was part of a gang, did crime and sold drugs to youngsters.
“My neighbourhood has a reputation of gang violence. To be honest, I was one of the bad guys as a youngster,” he says.
“More than 10 years ago, I was selling drugs and sometimes operated on the same field we are doing our exercise and running.
“I had to change, for my children and for myself.
“I changed with the help of God. I am trying my best to do my part to turn Hanover Park into a peaceful neighbourhood.”
Glenn trains over 50 people Monday to Saturday from 8am.
The group, which started in April, meets in Lynburg Road and runs to the sports field in “Cowboy Town” where they do 30 minutes of running and 20 minutes of exercise.
The eldest member is an 80-year-old woman and the youngest a nine-year-old girl.
“I am a runner, I don’t need much. I put on my shoes in the morning and I run on this field, over and over again,” he says.
“It is my daily routine, the one thing that keeps me anchored in this crazy world.
“It helped me to turn my life around and I want to help as many people as possible in my community to improve their lives as well.”
“I realised that we are not only threatened by gang violence, or the Coronavirus. People are also dying from diabetes and heart attacks caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.”
Glenn’s running club is free to the community and he encourages residents to join in.