15th September 21 is a day that will always live with me, it’s the day that i made hopefully my last ever bet. I’ve struggled with a gambling addiction since I was 18/19yrs old. I was always in denial about it when people said I needed help and I always said I haven’t got an issue. 

I was wrong, gambling had hold over me in ways I cannot explain, I lived in this unreal fantasy world and thought it was normal. 

Last September I finally admitted to my family and some friends I needed help. Thanks to thier love, support and immense understanding I’m writing this 7 months clean from gambling. I attend weekly meetings which have change my life and  I’m slowly coming to terms and getting to know the real Stuart. 

Life is difficult but I’m finally seeing the true meaning of it all, I’ve gone from chasing that one big win to realising I’ve already won with my beautiful wife, amazing little boy and family that are always there for me. 

I’m still fairly new to my recovery and I know there will be bigger and tougher days ahead but I’ve now got steps in place thanks to GA, YGAM, Breakeven to beat the demon that is in my head. 

I beg anyone who reads this that thinks they have an issue to seek help because I promise you the help that’s out there is amazing and the life away from gambling is a much better one. If my story can help anyone then that will mean more to me than any so called big win.

My phone is always on if anyone does need to talk, your not alone ✌️

Please donate what you can YGAM are doing an amazing job highlighting the dangers of gambling, if my story can help any one going through a difficult time it’ll mean the world 💙