My Story

My recovery journey started on the 8th February 2022. I finally realised that I had a problem with alcohol, it was a solution to not have to deal with my perception of reality. I found that when I tried to stop drinking I simply couldn't, I had lost the choice and couldn't imagine life with or without it. I couldn't break the cycle. I knew that if things continued as they were I would pay the ultimate price. I needed help with what I came to discover was an illness of the mind, body and soul.

I met a group of like minded people who share their experience strength and hope that they may solve their common problems. This lead me to an opportunity to work with the Forward Trust and help others who were unable to break their cycles, it was an extremely humbling and rewarding experience.

Running became a big part of my life not long after coming into recovery, I seemingly had a lot of time to occupy. I used to run in my teens so it was a relatively easy option to pick up again. I used the couch to 5K program to get me back out there, never thinking I would want to run any further. But as soon as I had hit 5k under 30 mins I was looking to hit 10k, then the idea of a half marathon came in. I never though imagined I would want to run a marathon, but yes the thought did slowly creep in and I completed my first in October 2024. I'm now fully in a phase of entering marathons! There will be no ultras for me!

Today, my life is underlined with peace and contentment and that is due to the power of recovery and the people you hold most dear to you. I try each day to do the next right thing and help others when possible, I don't always get it right but I am always willing to try. On the 8th February 2026 all being well and One Day at A Time I will be 4 years sober.

Thank you for your donations.

About The Forward Trust

We are The Forward Trust, the social business with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.