Gary is a recovered addict who, much like Howard, wears his heart on his sleeve, but in different ways. He grew up a well-educated and highly motivated young man whose main focus was on competitive diving, which took him around the world competing at the top levels internationally. Despite all this, he was still sadly unable to avoid the trappings of addiction.
Early in recovery Gary started volunteering in the very rehab centre that treated him. They soon offered him a full-time place working with the organisation, and so began his life working in helping others with their recovery from addiction.
We met Gary though his organisation “Emerge and Resurge”, which started as a diary for the rehab centre where he was staying, but became a way to share his experiences using video blogs to help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
Gary brings fantastic experience and insight to our organisation, not only because he has lived both as an addict and having recovered, but also because he has spent time in rehab as both as a patient and as a member of staff. He is a fantastic example of what a positive effect fully engaging in recovery and rebuilding a life, can look like.
