A REAL HERO –
July 3, 2026 – I grew up in a dysfunctional family and experienced a lot of chaos in my early life. My dad was an alcoholic, and my mum was addicted to prescription drugs. We moved house constantly, never settling anywhere for long and I remember vividly that feeling of never having enough food. Despite these challenges, I managed to build a successful career or myself in the building trade. I had apple trees in the garden, two cars in the driveway and it felt like I had finally left the trauma of my past behind me.
Then everything changed when my company collapsed and I was made redundant. Losing my job stripped away my self-worth and brought unresolved traumatic memories back to the surface. I had grown up with nothing, and suddenly I felt as though I had nothing again. I spiralled and blew all my redundancy money on drinking and gambling.
