In October 2020, just two months before my 40th birthday, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My journey involves overcoming alcohol dependence spanning over 20 years and a 6-year battle with gambling addiction, bringing me to the edge of suicide.

I actively raise awareness of addiction, neurodivergence, and mental health both within and outside my work. Engaging in Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, along with other recovery avenues, has been crucial for my progress.

My struggles with mental health began in childhood, leading me to cope with drinking and later, gambling. Despite starting gambling at 30, it became a significant part of my life due to relentless advertising portraying it as harmless. Initially drawn to football betting, I quickly spiraled into in-play options, horses, dogs, virtuals, slots, roulette, and blackjack.

Despite multiple attempts to quit, it took a harrowing 4-day gambling binge, where I planned to win and then end my life, to push me toward recovery. Losing every penny that night was my rock bottom, prompting me to attend my first Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that week.

Since embracing recovery, my life has transformed. I’ve found comfort in being myself, developed self-love, and adopted healthier coping mechanisms. I’ve learned to navigate emotions through communication rather than resorting to gambling and drinking.

Motivated by a desire to support others in their journey through addiction, I co-founded and hosted the “All Bets Are Off” podcast—a crucial resource for individuals wrestling with gambling addiction. Expanding beyond the podcast, my dedication led me to become a co-founder and Trustee of Gambling Harm UK, actively contributing to the development of strategies aimed at alleviating the widespread harm associated with gambling.

I am an advisory board member for Ripple, a suicide prevention charity and volunteer as a Mental Health Ambassador with Healthwatch Essex.

Most importantly I’m a dad to two wonderful children.