John's fundraiser for The O'Connor Gateway Trust

John Emmerson is raising money for The O'Connor Gateway Trust

Sahara Desert Trek 100km · 29 November 2025

The O’Connor Gateway Trust runs social enterprises in Staffordshire. Revenue is ploughed back into community services to provide education, training and employment for those individuals who have undergone rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction at the BAC O’Connor centres in Staffordshire.

Story

For a long time, I didn’t believe recovery was possible for me. I felt trapped in a cycle that I couldn’t see a way out of, losing little pieces of myself each day. Walking through the doors of BAC Addiction Centre was one of the hardest and bravest decisions I’ve ever made—but it became the turning point that changed everything.

From the very beginning, the staff treated me with kindness, patience, and respect. They didn’t see me as broken or hopeless; they saw my potential, even when I couldn’t. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the strength to start rebuilding my life. Every step of the program challenged me, but it also gave me tools, perspective, and hope that I’d never had before.

Graduating from BAC wasn’t just an end—it was a beginning. As I started to put what I had learned into practice, I discovered a love for hiking. At first, it was just a way to clear my head, to take things one step at a time. But over time, the hills and trails became more than exercise—they became a metaphor for my recovery. Every climb reminded me that progress takes effort, but the view at the top is worth it. The outdoors has grounded me, kept me moving forward, and given me a sense of peace I didn’t think I’d find again.

Today, I’m deeply grateful—for my recovery, for the amazing people at BAC who helped me believe in it, and for the chance to live a life I once thought was out of reach. My heart is now set on giving back, to help others the way I was helped. If I can inspire just one person to keep going, to not give up on themselves, then my journey has even more meaning.

Recovery is not easy, but it is possible—and I’m living proof, thanks to BAC and the incredible staff who stood by me when I needed it most.

Donation summary

Total
£280.00
+ £67.50 Gift Aid
Online
£280.00
Offline
£0.00

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