The Bannon's Challenge for Davina’s Ark

ADDICTION- THE FAMILY DISEASE

‍THIRD ANNUAL EVENT‍

‍5K Walk & 10k Run A Day For 100 Days‍

+Belfast Marathon

Hello everyone. We want to start by thanking you all for your support last year. With your help, we raised £2,280 for Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Centre in Newry. We are fundraising again for Davina’s Ark. We will be starting on 26th January to 4th May 2024. Then I’ll be taking on the Belfast marathon on the 5th May to finish it all off. I’ll be running 10km a day for 100 days and my wife Rachael will be walking 5k a day for the 100 days. Davina's Ark isn't just a charity for those in addiction, it helps the whole family and so she, like me, would like to try and give back to the charity that helped turn our lives around.

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

I am a recovering alcoholic. I had struggled with alcohol for years and coupled with my declining mental health, my spiral of addiction quickly set in. I was stuck in a bad cycle of not knowing how to deal with my emotions and using alcohol to cope and didn't know what to do or 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. I 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 get me and my life back. I know my journey is far from over but I am extremely proud of myself. Not only do they help and guide the person with the addiction but 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 it's 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 it's 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 have 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 know sharing my story leaves me in a vulnerable position but by doing so, I am hoping to break the stigma surrounding addiction and if by speaking out I encourage at least one person to seek help, then I'll be happy. There is life outside of addiction and recovery is possible. Help is there for both the addict and family.

We look forward to the challenge ahead and we will be giving back to the people that have helped me and my family. I'm sure everyone knows at least one person affected by some sort of addiction and I would really appreciate if everyone could support us in any way you can. Every little counts.

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

Barry and Rachael Bannon