In Loving Memory of Gareth Martin

This page is dedicated to the memory of Gareth James Martin, who left us far too soon on November 18, 2023, at the age of 51. His passing has been a profound loss in our lives 💔

To honour his memory on this first anniversary of his passing, I would like to commit to do a "Walk 100 Miles in November Challenge" in order to raise funds for a charity who helped him. Doing this would create something positive in what is a very difficult time. I will post information from my smart watch app to show progress.

Remembering Gareth’s Life, a journey of Recovery and Resilience

Gareth was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew & also a dear friend to many. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, he could light up any room and lift any mood with a joke. Beyond his lively spirit, Gareth was a deeply caring and sensitive soul, a quality that endeared him to those closest to him. His absence is deeply felt and his memory cherished.

Gareth began his career as a Butlin’s Redcoat, where he shone as both a compère and entertainer, amassing unforgettable stories and cherished memories. His love for the stage endured for years as he went on to sing in pubs and clubs, bringing joy and connection through music.

In 2013, I recognized Gareth’s struggle with alcohol addiction & raised it with him. We sought counseling and, after a medical crisis, he was admitted to the hospital for two weeks. During this time, I reached out to Acorn Recovery, who offered Gareth the support he needed to reclaim his life. Over the 20 weeks he spent residing with Acorn, he made strides in his recovery, laying the foundation for a renewed and hopeful future.

Inspired by his recovery, Gareth returned to school at the age of 42, enrolling at Hopwood Hall College, where he discovered a newfound love for learning. Life was looking up, and he found joy in this new chapter.

When Gareth began working as an electrician’s mate utilising his new qualifications, he took great pride in his trade. But working away brought challenges, and I suspected he was no longer entirely abstinent from alcohol. While the nature of our relationship changed because of this, our friendship endured regardless

Sadly, the COVID-19 lockdowns brought about a significant decline in Gareth’s mental health, and his drinking intensified. Although he struggled to ask for help, we tried to be there for him, staging interventions and offering support. However, the challenges of addiction were relentless, and our efforts couldn’t reach him as we had hoped.

Honouring Gareth’s Memory

Addiction is a disease, and Gareth’s journey has been a rollercoaster of hope, frustration and heartbreak and many emotions in between.

Acorn Recovery played a pivotal role in his life in 2014, helping him to reclaim a sense of purpose and joy. I’ve chosen to support Acorn Recovery with this fundraiser, knowing that any donations will contribute to the meaningful work they do in helping others find a path to recovery.

In Gareth’s memory, I’ll be undertaking the 100 Mile Challenge during November, marking the first anniversary of his passing. By supporting this challenge, you’ll be honoring Gareth’s life and perhaps even paving the way for others to find help. One day, you might guide someone you know to seek help from Acorn or a similar organisation, and perhaps that connection will prevent another bright soul from a similar fate.

Thank you for helping to turn my grief into something meaningful and for remembering Gareth with me.

Love

Joanna Xxx

About Acorn Recovery Projects

Acorn are committed to supporting people throughout their recovery journey in a compassionate way, focusing on long term solutions – even beyond treatment. Our extensive range of recovery programmes helps service users to find not just substance recovery, but emotional, social, lifelong recovery.

Our vision – Through commitment, creativity and expertise, Acorn will inspire and motivate change within communities and future generations by enabling individuals to achieve a Life Worth Living.