A REFUGEE who made his home in Swindon after fleeing life in war-torn Sudan has been named as the Young Achiever of the Year at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Sport awards.

In 2004, when he was just six years old, AbdulKareem Musa Adam’s village was bombed, both his parents and his two sisters were killed.

Eventually he fled Sudan, making his way to Chad where he managed to survive for two years in one of the world’s most inhospitable refugee camps.

Then he left for Libya, in the hope that he could find safety and stability, but once again the brutality of conflict was to envelope his young life.

After refusing to fight for Gaddafi’s army, Abdul was imprisoned and beaten – his wounds were so severe that he ended up in a Benghazi hospital.

It was there, thanks to the efforts of a kind-hearted doctor, that he made his escape – to the port, then to France, then ultimately to England and a new home in Swindon.

Aged just 15 when he arrived and carrying the sort of physical and emotional scars that someone so young should never have to bear, Abdul was taken into foster care and given a new home.

His foster carer, 56-year-old Ira Muir, or ‘mum’ as Abdul calls her, became like a second family.

Ira said: “At first he was very withdrawn and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.”

But over time, thanks to his determination and Ira’s dedication, Abdul's confidence grew and his English improved.

“We developed such a strong rapport and he really came out of his shell,” recalled Ira.

“I can still remember his first Christmas, when it was all new to him. He couldn’t wait for it and loved wrapping presents.

“He bought me perfume and a slow cooker because he loved the meals I made him.”

In need of some extra support to overcome the challenges he had faced at such a young age, Abdul was referred to Greatwood, a charity that uses ex-racehorses to help disadvantaged children.

Speaking to the Mirror ahead of his trip to the awards ceremony, Abdul recalled the first time he went to the charity.

“As soon as I walked in I wanted to live there forever,” he said. “Sometimes I think I’m more like an animal than a person.”

“My father loved horses. In Darfur I never saw a car or a bicycle. We travelled on horseback, but we had horse racing, too.”

“We had three horses, 17 camels and some sheep,” he added. “It was our job to look after the animals all day. Our village had no school.”

From that moment, Abdul saw his dream unfold before him. The charity saw his potential and arranged for him to work with a trainer in Wales.

He went on to secure a scholarship to train at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster where he is now living.

Ira said: "What he has achieved is amazing. Proud doesn’t come close to describing how I feel.

"This tremendous accolade is so thoroughly deserved. I've aready received so many messages of support which shows how well regarded Abdul is in Swindon. 

"It's amazing that Frankie Dettori presented the award. He has done so fantastically and we all feel ecstatic.

“He has come so far and overcome so much, but still takes it all in his stride and always smiles. He works extremely hard and deserves every bit of this.”

Before she became a foster carer, Ira did not know just what a positive impact she was going to have on young Abdul's life - but she rose to the challenge and his achievements are a reflection of the touching journey they took together. 

Swindon Borough Council, but more so the children in Abdul's shoes today, need more people like Ira. 

The council is looking for foster carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds to reflect Swindon’s diverse population and the needs of children coming into care.

Marital status, sexuality, age and whether or not you have children are no barriers to fostering.

Carers receive payment and allowances to help cover their time and expenses, as well as extra to cover occasions like birthdays, holidays and Christmas.

Full training is provided and professional support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fionuala Foley, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Abdul’s story is so horrific and overwhelming, I am simply in awe of all he has achieved.

"Ira’s tremendous kindness and generosity are also truly exemplary and demonstrate what wonderful caring people we have in Swindon.

"I wish Abdul every success in becoming a jockey and would like to say thank you to all our foster carers, who give their time, affection and skills so tirelessly to help less fortunate children and young people.

"If you think you might be able to join them, we would love to hear from you.”