John McAvoy, a former armed robber turned inspirational figure, has transformed his life after a troubled upbringing in London during the early 1980s. From criminal to world-class athlete, he’s an inspiring figure who changed his life forever. This extraordinary trip tells a profound story of what personal transformation and resiliency can bring. Born into a sprawling multi-racial family, McAvoy’s life was punctuated with beauty and trauma.
McAvoy in front of his Father’s shop in Gator lane, South London McAvoy’s parents ran a corner shop on a housing estate. His mother, a florist, raised him with five aunts. Within this place, in addition to direct care, was a palpable feeling of togetherness even when the storm clouds hung overhead.
When he was eight, his mother moved her new boyfriend, Billy Tobin, into the family home—and, almost overnight, Billy transformed into Mike’s stepfather. Though an extremely talented individual, McAvoy’s boundless energy was the perfect breeding ground for trouble. He found it difficult to keep the values his family instilled in him while resisting the temptations of the street life. Another major inflection point in his life came when he was only 12 years old. He went to see Fool’s Gold, a television dramatisation of that robbery, in which Sean Bean played his uncle, Micky McAvoy. This film would be both an early introduction and prophetic foreshadowing of the criminal underbelly that would ultimately ensnare him.
As he got older, McAvoy began making decisions that put him on a negative trajectory. He made a sheltered plea to conspiracy to commit robbery. He further pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms with the intent to commit robbery. He was only 15 years old when he received a five-year prison sentence for simply possessing a firearm. He soon found himself locked up with senior prisoners including notorious figures such as radical preacher Abu Hamza and the failed 21/7 bombers.
Throughout his time incarcerated, McAvoy was moved between seven different prisons—including Belmarsh, Full Sutton, and Lowdham Grange. Even in these brutal conditions, surrounded by hardened criminals, he found comfort and healing in sports. At first, he began rowing in prison gym class. In his short time there, he broke three world records and seven British records.
Reflecting on his past, McAvoy stated, “I always regret what I did because my behaviour affected other people, but I don’t regret the 10 years I spent in prison because I feel as if I learned so much about myself.” His period of incarceration turned out to be a life-changing opportunity where he realized he could have a future beyond criminal activity.
For McAvoy, this release in 2012 would herald the dawning of a radically different and more productive chapter of his life. He started to focus his energy on serving others and telling his story of redemption. “No one ever made me do anything I didn’t want to do,” he remarked, emphasizing personal responsibility in his choices.
Today, he spends most of his time working through advocacy and mentorship programs, guiding young people away from the pitfalls he once suffered. “It’s quite simple, actually – it’s helping other people,” he noted, underscoring his commitment to community service and personal development.
In an emotional reflection on his journey, McAvoy shared, “And yeah, I would go through that journey again if I had to.” His struggles have become a lens through which he sees the beauty, tragedy, and complexity of human existence.
John McAvoy’s extraordinary life story is a powerful inspiration to anyone who knows what it means to seek redemption and change. His story tells us that it’s possible to have a great outcome for everyone—even those with the worst backstory. As Nick continues to advocate for positive change, he is living proof that hope and perseverance can change the world.