Vivian Lindsay John Francis

Metropolitan Police Officer. South African. Brother. Husband. Son. Colleague. Friend. Dad. Alcoholic.

A research study estimates that 3 million children in the UK live with parental alcohol problems. They are:

- Six times more likely to witness domestic violence

- Five times more likely to develop an eating problem

- Three times more likely to consider suicide

- Twice as likely to struggle at school

- Twice as likely to develop alcoholism or addiction

- Twice as likely to get into trouble with the police

Despite growing up with a Dad who struggled with alcoholism, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. While I experienced a lot of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding my Dad, my constant was the love and support of my mum, Gill, and my wonderful grandparents, Pat and Peter. Not every child is so fortunate.

On 26 April, I will be running the Hamburg Marathon to raise money for Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Nacoa provides support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking, through their free, confidential helpline and other resources. They help children and adults talk about what’s going on and how they’re feeling.