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This week Newry couple Barry and Rachael Bannon will reach the half way stage of their 100 day running and walking challenge. Barry is running 10k a day while Rachael is walking 5k a day. It's the third year of their challenge, something they intend to continue for as long as they are fit to do it. Last year they completed the challenge and raised £2,280 for Davina's Ark. This year they are continuing to fundraise for Davina's Ark, a charity close to their hearts.
Thirty two year old Barry will run the 10k every day and he will finish of the challenge with the Belfast Marathon on 5 May. Rachel will complete a total of 500km in her challenge giving the couple an incredible 1500km covered and that's before the Marathon!
Barry explains his reason for taking on the challenge "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."
He continued "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 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 knows that addiction takes many forms but there is hope. "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 its grip. If you abuse it, it will abuse you and take everything from you. However there is help and hope for everyone."
He concluded "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."
You can support their fundraiser at www.gofundme.com
