I grew up in Scunthorpe in a broken home, eventually moving to London where life became even more unstable. My grandad was an alcoholic who spent his days in Vauxhall betting shops, drinking and using anything he could get his hands on crack, heroin, acid, though he refused ketamine, saying it was for horses. He had a troubled past, fleeing Ireland as a child, and while he could be kind, his moods flipped quickly.
In London, I started smoking weed and taking ecstasy to escape the pain of growing up without a father figure. With no one to talk to, I drifted deeper into substance use and street life. I was surrounded by cousins and half-uncles involved in gangsterism shutting down nightclubs, moving through gun gangs, and living in a world of burner phones and survival.
Life became a daily risk: walk down the street and get stabbed or live to see another day. I swore I’d never take heroin, and I didn’t but I learned that chasing highs through uppers eventually leads to a crash. The good times faded, and downers crept in, dragging me toward despair.
Eventually, I moved to Sheffield and began my recovery at Swallownest Court in Rotherham. It was a lonely road, but necessary. Despite the stigma I carry, I found strength in change. Meeting my partner Sophie and having two children gave me purpose. Together, we’ve built a life focused on healing, not dealing.
Now I work in Chesterfield supporting the elderly and vulnerable, which brings me balance and fulfilment. I’ve connected with recovery communities in Hull, Liverpool, and Hackney through the Forward Trust, and this keeps me grounded. My mission is to help young people find their place in society, through healthcare, recovery, and community support.
Sophie and I have also built a food economics system that helps low-income families manage bills and create food security. We run workshops with local charities to extend this support.
Recovery is ongoing. I still face challenges, but I fight for those who need a voice. Life isn’t about wealth, it’s about purpose, empathy, and helping the younger generation
I believe that healing is possible, and through self-awareness and community, we can transform lives.
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