Story
Hi! I’m running the Hackney Half Marathon to raise money for Alcohol Change UK.
It is a cause that’s very close to my heart. At the time of writing this, I am 637 days sober. By the time I run the race, I hope to be nearly 2 and a half years sober. I wouldn’t have been able to start my recovery without the awareness raised and support given by charities like this one.
Getting sober saved my life, but not everyone is as lucky. You may not be personally affected by alcohol harm or addiction, but I can guarantee you - you know someone who is. It’s widespread, and can affect anyone from all walks of life. Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.
Alcohol Change UK is the charity behind Dry January and Alcohol Awareness Week. Their tireless work to raise awareness of alcohol harm is the reason many people are encouraged to check their drinking.
Here is their message:
We want to build 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.
Please donate what you can - thank you!
Resources if you need support:
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. If you would prefer, you can also email them at help@aamail.org or live chat via their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.
More resources here: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now
