alcohol

Despite the sore legs and tired muscles, my passion for running grew and it became my rush. The release that I had once found in alcohol and drugs, was now clean, pure and in my control. 

When I’m out pounding the pavements, I don’t have to worry about anything else in my life. It’s become my relief, my refuge and my replacement for booze.

The novelty of running early on a Saturday morning without a hangover has never worn off. It always fills me with gratitude and pride and kick starts my weekend with an amazing endorphin rush.

I had spent 10 years avoiding attention due to mental illness and my embarrassment, now I was telling my Invictus story to the BBC

For me talking about things and having my cycling well-being tool have improved all areas of my life, I am emotionally and physically stronger to cope with the situations that made me crumble

One of the most difficult parts of becoming a parent was the loss of identity and the loss of self - I was in a rut, so I drank. Swimming has given me something else.

I experienced my first panic attack in my twenties leading to issues with alcohol and depression. Now I am a fitness instructor using exercise to cope with my mental health battles.