A reformed gang boss who survived seven stabbings and nearly lost a leg to drug addiction has taken his prevention message to an Ipswich school.

Ipswich Star: Motivational speaker and former gang leader Paul Hannaford Picture: RACHEL EDGEMotivational speaker and former gang leader Paul Hannaford Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Paul Hannaford, who grew up in East London, became a gang leader at 21 and funded a £400-500 daily drug habit through crime.

Mr Hannaford turned his life around and has since taken his motivational workshop across the UK.

Visiting Northgate High School this week, he said: “There were consequences for me – major consequences.

“Now I get thousands of messages a week from children I’ve inspired.”

Ipswich Star: Paul Hannaford almost lost a leg to addiction Picture: RACHEL EDGEPaul Hannaford almost lost a leg to addiction Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

A group of Northgate pupils were also among more than 120 to hear Mr Hannaford address a conference at the University of Suffolk in November.

Assistant head Dan Emery said: “It’s important for the pupils to hear it from the horse’s mouth. They’re in school for half their lives. We need to support their lives outside as well.”