Hi I'm Clarke, 

After careful consideration and discussions with the family we've taken the decision to publicly raise awareness/fundraise for Alcohol Concern - a lesser known charity that’s very close to our hearts. If you know our family well you may be aware of what I’m about to tell you but would guess many of you do not. The following is something our family kept quiet for personal reasons but feel the time is right to share in an effort to potentially help or influence anyone going through a similar or relatable experience. This wasn’t a simple decision but we can truly appreciate the need to share, talk or ask for help in times of need so hope this comes across in my bid to extract some of your hard earned pennies for an incredibly good cause…

So, what will I be doing in exchange? The Great North Run, 9th September 2018. 

Why? Sadly we lost Christopher Lloyd Harrison (my old man), May 30th 2017 aged 55, following his long and painful battle with Alcohol addiction - a battle that lasted nearly 17 years. 

The reasons why my father turned to alcohol like many similar stories are complex but generally summed up in the fact he lost his business and struggled to ever recover. Alcohol was an escape for him; a way to mask an incredibly difficult situation. He struggled to share or accept and spiralled because of this - a struggle which ultimately cost him his life. Even up until his death my father never admitted he had a problem or even acknowledged what he was doing was destructive not only to his own health but to those closest around him - something which still blows my mind to this day. I’d like to point out the issue wasn’t the alcohol, this story isn’t designed to stigmatise drinking alcohol or people who choose to enjoy alcohol, as not only would I be a massive hypocrite I’d be a risk of upsetting many of you guys ;). 

Alcohol abuse, much like drug addiction although niche to the individual is a mental disease. Anyone who has experienced or knows anyone who leans on alcohol or drugs to escape reality will understand this. My father was a great, respectable family man up until a significant life event that changed his journey, one that may have been very different if dealt with differently… My simple plea/point is that no matter the situation, sharing or asking for help really does make a huge difference, a value I now live my life by. 

The last 17-ish years were tough, stressful, painful, emotional and not something we broadcasted. Alcohol Concern need stories to be told, experiences to be shared in order to raise awareness of this very common issue so hopefully sharing this experience has a positive impact and some donations too :). Please check out their website for more info, you may be surprised at the number of people effected by this very common disease;

https://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

For anyone who wishes to donate, please do via my just giving page or share or like or simply read and ponder - every person that donates I will keep in mind when running around Tyne & Wear on Sunday 9th Sept, especially in the final few miles when I’ll no doubt need a boost to see me to the end. 

Thanks for reading,

Clarke & family