A FORMER prisoner who has “transformed” his life will 'plant trees of hope' at a prison in a bid to help others in the same position he once was. 

David Haze, 37, from Bournemouth, served a three-year sentence for burglary and handling stolen goods at Guys Marsh prison.

A former forex trader in London, David turned to crime and drugs after losing a job in the city, resulting in two stints in prison.

However, he has since turned his life around and now has seven paddleboarding records under his belt with his eighth bid taking place next month. 

Bournemouth Echo: David HazeDavid Haze (Image: PR)

On October 14, he will fly to Reykjavik and on to Egilsstaðir in a bid to cross Iceland’s longest lake, Logurinn, in less than six hours.

To offset the 322kg of CO2 emissions created by his 3800km return flights, he is teaming up with The Woodland Trust to plant 70 trees in the grounds of HMP Leyhill in Gloucester.

After enrolling in a prison reform programme, he turned his life around and he said the decision to plant trees in the grounds of a prison “will give hope to others who are in the same position I was.”

David said: “The great outdoors and nature have completely transformed my life and I hope I can pass this on and help others get through some of the most difficult times in their lives.”

He will plant a variety of species, including alders, common beech, common osier and field maple, in the prison grounds “to create a green space in an environment surrounded by so much failure and negativity to inspire growth, rehabilitation and connect with nature.”

His Icelandic challenge comes following his recent 70m circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight which was “entirely carbon neutral” and is sponsored by UK-based environmental technology company, Oscar Propulsion.

Its patented unique slitted design on his paddles have enabled him to paddle for longer while reducing the risk of injury.

Duncan Troy, CEO at Oscar Propulsion said: "Having Oscar Propulsion’s blade technology validated by such an inspirational young man is incredible.

“David Haze is a truly remarkable role model and it’s great to be contributing to his adventure and wellbeing."