A Newry man is once again pushing himself to the limit and running 10km a day for 100 days to raise funds for a local addiction charity, insisting: “I feel it’s time to make a change for this generation and beyond.”
This is the fifth year that Barry Bannon, a recovering alcoholic, has undertaken a charity fundraiser and it will culminate with him taking part in the London Marathon.
The 35-year-old is running to raise money for Davina’s Art Aftercare Addiction Services, which he readily admits helped him “get myself and my life back” after alcohol addiction nearly cost him everything he holds dear.
Barry began his 100-day challenge back on January 17 and has been completing his 10k a day regardless of weather, mood or motivation.
For he knows that his efforts will help others and their families who will turn to Davina’s Art seeking similar intervention to himself.
His charitable endeavours will culminate when he joins tens of thousands of others for one of the world’s biggest racing events, the London Marathon, on April 26.
Barry has set up a GoFundMe page and has also organised a number of street collections, while keeping followers updated on his progress via social media. So far, he has raised almost £600 and he hopes that people will continue to donate and help his cause.
The Newry man knows that without Davina’s Ark, he would be in a much worse place than he is today.
And Barry has never been afraid to share his story, for he knows that, with the right help and support, if he can do it then others can too.
“I struggled with alcohol for years,” he said. “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.”
Barry says Davina’s Ark, among other things, helps overcome the “terrible stigma” surrounding an additction, which can often be seen almost as an “embarrassment”.
“No one wants to talk about it, but it shouldn’t be this way,” he added. “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, he said, had given him so much help, support, and encouragement.
“They were the bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel,” said Barry. “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.”
Barry shares his story and delivers daily talks on TikTok, while his Facebook page offers all the latest updates of his challenge.
To keep up to date visit Barry’s Facebook page here.
And if you would like to donate, please click here.
