After a decade of substance abuse and mental health problems, Connor Shannon discovered running and turned his life around. Now he is helping others to overcome their addictions through fitness.
“I found fitness so useful myself, that’s something I wanted to share with other people,” he said.
Connor established Addicts to Athletes in North Devon in November 2023 to encourage people in recovery from addiction to get active. The charitable group offers a range of guided sessions, including swimming, running, walking and cycling, along with personalised training plans.
Connor explains that as well helping people to become physically healthier, the sessions encourage people to get outside, which has a positive impact on their mental health. And there is a social aspect too, as the sessions help people to meet others who are also in recovery.
Addicts to Athletes successfully applied for a small grant from Devon Community Foundation (DCF) in July 2024. At the beginning of 2025 they received another small grant from DCF thanks to funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
The grants have helped cover costs such as buying sports equipment for clients and offering discounted sessions with external providers such as coasteering and bouldering.
Connor said a recent coasteering session had 100 per cent attendance and one participant described it as “a great emotional release”.
Addicts to Athletes has also been able to use the funding to train volunteers to become activity leaders.
“They’ve been clients and now they’re inspiring other people,” said Connor. “It really helps to have leaders who have been through it themselves.”
As a small and very new group, Connor said networking has been essential to its success. He has made good use of social media platforms to spread the word and said One Northern Devon and One Barnstaple have also been “fantastic” in the support they have given to the group.
“Join every network,” is his advice to other not-for-profits trying to get off the ground.
Meanwhile the grants from Devon Community Foundation have helped to move Addicts to Athletes over the income threshold to register with the Charity Commission. Connor anticipates that this will open even more doors and he plans to keep expanding across Devon and potentially even further afield.
“We can’t thank Devon Community Foundation enough,” he said.
Read more about Addicts to Athletes.
Our grantmaking depends on our donors and funding partners. If you’re interested in becoming a donor we would love to hear from you. Follow the link below or contact our Head of Development and Philanthropy, Laura Cameron Long: lcameronlong@devoncf.com/01884 906685.
