In the dark days when I was propping myself up at a bar, and well meaning friends suggested that I give up drinking, I vaguely recall saying that I could give up any time, but didn't feel the need to prove it. Around the same time this crushing bore also suggested that he could run a marathon anytime, just didn't feel the need to prove that either.........well, rather less through the need to prove, and more through personal challenge, on the 6th November I will be running the New York marathon, which will (pretty closely) coincide with the end of my fourth year of sobriety. The training is working, and just like the recovery process, you get out of it what you put into it.....plus blisters!

Through this four year period I have been touched by the work that is done by RAPt, the Rehabilitation of Addicted Prisoners Trust. RAPt works inside and outside the prison system, providing a 12 step recovery programme for alcohol and drug addicted prisoners. The logic is simple - in helping offenders manage their addiction, we can greatly reduce the risk of recidivism, and greatly increase the quality of life and opportunities on release - stopping addiction, stopping crime.

It has been enlightening and stimulating seeing the work of RAPt and meeting those working through the RAPt programme. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and emotional strength to face one's demons in an environment where there is constant pressure to conform to "prison life". I humbly ask you support this worthwhile cause, and donate via this site.

Whether or not you choose to donate, I would encourage you to look at the work that RAPt are doing, to read the stories of those who, through a lot of their own hard work, have benefited from RAPt involvement, and the empirical research that supports the success of RAPt's 12 step recovery programme.

Thank you