Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 12th January 2024, we celebrated 5 years of being in recovery from all mind-altering substances. So, I thought let's have a go at this year's MT Parish Walk to celebrate, help raise money, and break down the stigma of addiction that prevents people from getting the help they need and deserve. It is possible no matter how far or long a person has been engaging in an addictive behaviour that they can change and recover. I suffered from an addiction for nearly 30 years which almost cost me my life several times and left me isolated from everything and everyone I love. Everyone has the power to change and recover from an addiction. Having been given the gift of desperation, I somehow found the strength to reach out and ask for help. By reaching out I was able to take that important step. My journey had begun and within that journey, a process of changing my thinking and feelings had also begun. By continuing with that change, I have remained free from the addiction for the last 5 years. If I hadn’t made that move and sought help and support, I may not be here today. I feel blessed and grateful to have another chance at life, one day at a time.

I have only been able to get to where I am today with the help of others and the support of this worthwhile charity Motiv8, in which I'm now part of the working team that supports people who struggle to recover from their addictive behaviours. I'm also one of the coordinators of the Peer-led Naloxone Team. After having this amazing opioid reversal medication used on me and being cared for by the staff at Nobles Hospital, I would likely not be here today. I also lost a close friend who would be here today if Naloxone was around.

I would also like to try to raise awareness and break the stigma around opioid misuse on our Island. The stigma prevents brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and parents from coming forward for free kits that can prevent unnecessary deaths that leave our communities fractured and families broken. I’d like to encourage anyone who feels they may be or anyone who knows someone who may be at risk of an opioid overdose to come and get a free kit from our team at Motiv8.

I hope people no matter how small will donate to this just-giving page, every donation can make a difference to help change lives. If you can't donate, please share this page as it may help. No matter how far or along someone is in their addiction by reaching out it is possible to recover. It may also help to get a naloxone kit into our community that can then be close by if an overdose happens.

We Do And Can Recover