What was Dr. Charles childhood like?

Charles's early childhood was marked by immense deprivation. His father, Walter, was an erratic and often absent figure due to his addiction to substances. His son would spend his formative years in a rundown neighbourhood in the heart of the city, surrounded by poverty and despair.

Margaret, his mother, fought valiantly to sustain her family in these dire conditions. Despite her constant struggles, she provided Charles with an environment that fostered intellectual growth. She instilled in him a deep appreciation for literature, art, and the sciences. Through the refuge found in books, young Charles discovered a profound escape from the harsh realities that plagued his surroundings.

Despite his mother's unwavering efforts, Charles's upbringing could not shield him from the brutal circumstances that prevailed. The neighbourhood was rife with crime and substance abuse, and the boy found himself frequently drawn into the violent vortex that consumed many of his peers.

Charles navigated this tumultuous landscape, witnessing firsthand the suffering and injustices that plagued his community. This profound and formative experience left an indelible imprint on his psyche, fostering an unwavering commitment to social change that would shape his life's trajectory and inspire his future endeavours in politics.