Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Centre

10km For 100 Days IV

Hello everyone. My name is Barry Bannon. I will be taking to the streets again for the 4th year of my charity fundraiser. Starting on Sunday 25th May - 1st September. I’m trying to raise much needed funds for Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Centre, also to raise awareness of addiction and mental health issues.

I’ll again be running 10km a day for 100 days, with a few street collections added in this year as well.

Davina's Ark isn't just a charity for those in addiction. It helps the whole family, so I would like to continue to try and give back to the charity that helped me in my recovery, and helped my wife also deal with the effects of my addiction.

I know most of you have read my story before, but I'm going to reshare for anyone who hasn't read it.

I am a recovering alcoholic. I struggled with alcohol for years. This, coupled with my declining mental health, started me on a downward spiral of addiction.

My addiction had full control of my life. It was impacting my family, job, my whole life. Every waking moment was spent thinking about when I could get my next drink. I knew I was pushing family away due to my drinking, but I didn't know if I could give up alcohol, or how to even start. The embarrassment and stigma surrounding addiction and mental health had me trapped. I was stuck in a bad cycle of not knowing how to deal with my emotions and then using alcohol to cope. I didn’t know what to live for anymore.

After almost losing myself and my family due to my addiction, I knew I had to make big changes to get myself and my loved ones back. In desperation, my wife got in touch with Davina’s Ark, and from the outset, they were understanding, treating me as a person and not just an addict.

Davina’s Ark has helped me tremendously with my addiction and in getting myself and my life back. Not only do they help and guide the person with the addiction, but they also help bond the family back together with counselling, etc. Being an alcoholic didn't only affect me. It had a massive impact on my family and loved ones. Davina’s Ark gave us all a better understanding of what happens to the body and brain in active addiction. It is a brain disease, but with hard work, dedication, and determination, the brain can rewire itself back to its previous state. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for the support from Davina’s Ark and my amazing family.

There is a terrible stigma surrounding addiction - an embarrassment almost. No one wants to talk about it. But it shouldn't be this way. Millions of people are affected on a daily basis by some sort of addiction. Gambling, alcohol, sex or drugs. People always assume that an addict is someone who is lying on the street drunk or with a needle in their arm but an addict could just as easily be a successful business owner who is managing to function outwardly while their home life is falling apart. Or someone whose innocent game of bingo on an online gambling site has spiralled out of their control. Addiction does not discriminate. It does not care about gender, religion, social status, age. It sneaks into your life and takes hold. Before you've realised what is happening, you're powerless to its grip. If you abuse it, it will abuse you and take everything from you. However, there is help and hope for everyone.

Davina’s Ark has given me so much help, support, and encouragement. They were the bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I'm hoping to raise more money this year to say a massive thank you to them for helping to save me from myself.

I'm sure everyone knows at least one person affected by some sort of addiction, and I would really appreciate it if as many people as possible could support in any way you can. If my story inspires one person to reach out and ask for help, I am extremely grateful. If you are struggling, just know that you are loved. If you're recovering, I am proud. Everyone has good and bad days. Just remember that we are all human - we have all made mistakes. Be gentle with yourself. There is life outside of addiction, and recovery is possible. I know my journey is far from over, but I am extremely proud of myself, and you could be proud of yourself too.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and feel free to share.