It's 10 years since my best friend Alby was sadly taken from his adoring family far too soon at the relatively young age of 44. I was 40 years old and numb with shock and sadness for a good while afterwards. I had worked in drug and alcohol services for over 20 years and despite my knowledge and experience I regretted not being there for him when he was struggling. The guilt was all consuming and although I didn't blame myself I was convinced that if I had only found the time I might have been able to get him the help he needed.

The truth was he did have access to help and he had an amazing family around him who did everything humanly possible to lift him out of his addiction. The reality was that I was just incredibly sad at the senseless loss of someone I loved dearly.

Fast forward 7 years and I had to take a look at my own relationship with alcohol. I was drinking too much, I was overweight, had increasing bouts of anxiety and low mood from binge drinking. My relationships were suffering and I knew I was functioning well below my potential.

I am now 3 years alcohol free. I have amazing sleep, I exercise regularly and wake up happy and excited every single day! During lockdown I trained as a Transformational Lifecoach and I now help others to make changes to their relationship with alcohol but more importantly with themselves.

Please sponsor me any amount you can spare and all proceeds will go directly towards supporting individuals who desperately need it

Thank you x