EDIT: I wasn't able to do the run for a variety of reasons, mostly health related. I am plotting another fundraising event though! Thank you to everyone who donated and give me a shout if you'd like the donation back.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a topic very close to my heart. My dad, Paul Molloy, died of alcoholic liver failure in 2006, at the age of 47. He left behind a wife, five children, his mum and brothers.

Addiction is an overlooked and maligned area of mental health, but it is real and devastating.  Those who struggle with addictions are sometimes the most marginalised people in society, and the stigma can be so great that it stops people getting help.  People who struggle with addictions often don't do so in isolation; it's a family problem, and can be a profoundly lonely experience.

My dad was a wonderful man and father, adored by his family, who succumbed to alcoholism.  With the right help and support, he may have been able to conquer his addiction.  With education, respect and compassion, my family may also have been able to understand his problems more clearly, and to seek help for ourselves so that we could support each other and overcome the devastating impact our dad's alcoholism had upon us.

People can recover from addiction- but they need the right support.

Massive thanks for visiting my page!  Please donate anything you can- even a pound will make a difference to the lives of people touched by addictions. 

If you'd like to read more about my dad's story, you can visit my blog: http://thesecretlifeofamanicdepressive.wordpress.com/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.