A teenage lad who was once forced to 'eat from bins' and sleep in graveyards is set to become a soldier.
Paul Matthews, from Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, was just 15 when he found himself homeless with nobody to turn to.
Scared and alone, the 19-year-old 'lived off scraps' and his only friend was his pet dog.
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He told Wales Online: "I would wake up, wash in the river and then just walk around Merthyr town. I had to eat from bins and stuff like that.
"It was horrible being homeless. I lived off scraps from skips and the only friend I had was my dog, Star."
However, after hearing about a course called Be the Best, which is run by 160 Wales Brigade, he went along and started to get his life back on track.
He's now set to join the army and is hoping to begin training for the Royal Engineers later this year.
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Paul added: "When you're in that position, you feel like you've hit rock bottom.
"If I had given up like I wanted to, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's about picking yourself up.
"The staff at the course have been fantastic and I'd like to thank them. It has shown me what I want to do in life and given me the kick up the butt that I needed."
Good on you, lad. We wish you all the best!
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Words by Sian Broderick
Featured image: Mirror
Featured Image Credit:Topics: army