Hi I’m Ko, I’m 25 years old and a recovering addict.

I want to raise money for Open Road's recovery centre in Southend, as they have completely been there for me in my journey to recovery for addiction.

From the age of 17 I was an IV Heroin addict. I’d had a traumatic childhood and then due to my using and self destructive lifestyle, quite a traumatic early adulthood. I’ve been with Open Road for a couple of years and they have always tried again and again to give me the hope that I could stop and I didn’t have to be stuck in the cycle of addiction.

One day in October 2024 I had hit my last rock bottom, I felt as if I could not go on using and was terrified of living the way I had been. Open Road was once again there to pick me up after falling - as they would do time and time again after as I tried to get and stay sober. Since October, I would try and try and would fall and fall, having relapses, hospital stays - due to self harming and mental illness - and doctor/ psychiatrist visits, Open Road staff were always there supporting me, having my back and believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.

My key-worker Michaela, would constantly try and remind me that I did deserve to live, and deserved a better life. She looked out for me when I couldn’t even look out for myself.

The manager of Open Road Southend, Natalie, also proved she had my back time and time again, showing she always had my best interests at heart, she always told me what I needed to hear not just what I wanted, at points she was harsh on me but she knew that was what I needed. I’m grateful for both of them and all the other staff at Open Road, for the times before October, they would do house checks - times I didn’t reply, times they thought I was dead. Michaela has even saved my life a couple of times calling emergency services when she knew I was in deep trouble. I can’t thank Open Road enough for all they’ve done for me, for them practically keeping me alive long enough for me to save myself.

I’m now 2 months sober, which considering I’ve used drugs my whole adult life, is a miracle.

This is due to my hard work but I would never have been here to do the hard work I needed to do if Open Road hadn’t of been there checking on me, keeping me on track and keeping me alive.

Thank you to the whole team and STARS as a whole.

Please donate what you can to this amazing cause, and follow my journey on Tiktok.

https://www.tiktok.com/@eyesofanaddict?_t=ZN-8z1y6s9T3ZK&_r=1

I will be climbing Mount Snowdon on the 28th October.

Open Road's mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles.

They seek to strike a balance between acceptance and change; to accept people as they are, whilst helping them to make positive changes as they so desire.