Story
<p><strong><span style="color: #800080;">On the 9th May 2012 i will be cycling from London to Paris (330 miles in 4 days) for the charity addaction, </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #800080;">this is why................</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-04DWrMbbM&amp;amp;amp;feature=player_embedded#!">WATCH THE VIDEO TO YOUR LEFT OR CLICK THIS LINK :)</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>My story</strong></p>
<p>I don’t like people to judge my dad simply by the fact that he was an alcoholic, because most of my memories with him are happy and are of him being a good dad who was there when i needed him most despite his addiction. </p>
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<p>I didn’t really realise my dad had a problem with drink growing up, it wasnt until i was in my late teens that the full scale of the problem began to hit me. Somehow over the years my dad seemed to have changed from a stubborn old fart (sorry dad) making us go on long walks in the country when we visited at weekends, annoying me and my sisters with silly practical jokes, and moaning at us for our messy rooms, to someone who spent the majority of the weekend either in the local pub or sleeping off alcohol binges during the day and had given up on caring for his home and hobbies. The old jokes and sense of humour were still there but by now the alcohol was certainly taking over.</p>
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<p>Fast forward 5 or 6 years and my dads life was unrecognisable. He had lost his job as a train driver, he No longer owned his house, he had been in and out of hospital, diagnosed with numerous health problems some of which potentially life threatning and despite trying to give up, he was losing the battle against alcohol.</p>
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<p>By This time we were fully prepared for the worst to happen any day and on 2nd May 2006 dad passed away.</p>
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<p>It wasnt until a couple of years later that i came across addaction and the work they do, and although it was too late to use their services personally, i have been able to recommend them to others and i really strongly admire the work they do within the community.</p>
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<p>I know through experience of talking to people, most are quick to judge people with addictions but it really can happen to anybody and any family can be affected by it. I would love to not only raise money for addaction, but also raise awerness and support for such a widespread issue. I have added in links below for more information and inspiration for you to donate :)</p>
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<p>So anyway, thats why ive chosen to ride for addaction in May 2012!!! Your support however small would be appreciated so, so much!!</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>
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<p><strong>Who are <a href="http://www.addaction.org.uk">addaction</a>?</strong></p>
<p>With over 40 years' experience of working with people affected by drugs and alcohol we have designed a range of treatment services that helps people reduce and end their dependencies. All services are free and confidential to the people who use them, and we also offer support and information to friends and family.</p>
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<p><strong>MEDIA</strong></p>
<p><strong>Video: <a href="http://www.addaction.org.uk/personnel.asp?itemid=52&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;itemTitle=Addaction+Halton+-+Colin+and+Ellie&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;section=427&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sectionTitle=Video+archive">Unfashionable NOT unimportant</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Video: <a href="http://www.addaction.org.uk/personnel.asp?itemid=40&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;itemTitle=Tom%27s+8th+Birthday+2%2E&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;section=424&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sectionTitle=Our+latest+media">Toms 8th Birthday</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Story: <a href="http://www.addaction.org.uk/page.asp?section=417&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sectionTitle=Clare%27s+story">Clare's Story</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Publications: <a href="http://www.addaction.org.uk/page.asp?section=126&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sectionTitle=Our+publications">Reports</a></strong></p>