Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

2025 is a defining year in my life, it is the year I discovered and admitted that I have a problem with alcohol addiction and the negative personality traits that unfortunately develop alongside the addiction, deceit, self neglect, lack of motivation, depression and self limiting beliefs to name only a few. Not only did alcohol have a negative impact on me personally, but on my family and friends, the very people in my life I wouldn't want to hurt in a million years, but alcohol didn't mind trying to tear us apart.

Thankfully, April 2025 was the month that, with the help and continued support of my family, I was able to make the life saving decision to do something about my addiction. I have spent 4 weeks in the amazing Ocean Recovery Centre, Blackpool, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation Clinic focused on improving Clients' well being long term. The Professional staff use developed and personalised addiction programmes for residents seeking addiction recovery.

I have always had a passion for running, also having taken part in 15 Great North Runs, but alcohol diminished that passion through lack of motivation and the desire for a glass of wine being greater than the desire to exercise. During my time at Ocean, I regained my focus and desire and decided to apply for a place in the 2025 Great North Run on the 7th September. I want to raise money and awareness of the difficulties and consequences of alcohol addiction and have chosen to represent the charity Alcohol Change UK. I am fortunate to have an amazing support network of family and friends and also the funds available to me to book a residential place in a private recovery clinic. However, I am aware that not everyone is as fortunate. Alcohol Change UK help those individuals and their support communities. Whereas, I know that I will not drink alcohol again, they are pushing for a future in which people drink as a conscious choice, not a default; where the issues which lead to alcohol problems – like poverty, mental health issues, homelessness – are addressed; where those of us who drink too much, and our loved ones, have access to high-quality support whenever we need it, without shame or stigma.

They are driven by the belief that every person deserves to live a full life free from alcohol harm, they create evidence-driven change by working towards five key changes: improved knowledge, better policies and regulation, shifted cultural norms, improved drinking behaviours, and more and better support and treatment.

Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK.

Alcohol is a part of many of our lives. We use it for celebration, for comfort, to socialise, to wind down, to cope. We treat it differently to other drugs; it’s legal, socially acceptable, even encouraged.

Yet in the UK one person every hour dies as a result of alcohol. Alcohol harm – mental health problems, liver disease, one of seven forms of cancer, economic difficulties, and so much more – can affect any one of us, from any walk of life.

The harm doesn’t end with the individual; each of us who drinks too much is part of a family and a community who feel the effects too, whether through frequent use of emergency services, drink driving, violence or neglect.

£100 could support around 100 people reduce their drinking through the Dry January® challenge.

£200 could cover the costs of supporting 40 people for a year to reduce their drinking through the Alcohol Change UK Try Dry® app.

£300 could help Alcohol Change UK to develop and deliver ten times more training for front line workers and improve support for dependent drinkers.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.