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Running 10km in a day would be some achievement for most of us but for Newry man Barry Bannon, sure it's just another day! Bannon has decided to run 10k not just one day, but every day for 100 days. He started out 1 February and plans to be finished 11 May. Along the way he will help raise much needed funds for Davina's Ark Aftercare Addiction Centre in Newry. It's his second year taking on the challenge. In 2022 he raised £4000 for the charity. This year his wife Rachael has also joined the fundraising drive by walking at least 5k a day for the 100 days. As Bannon explains "Davina's Ark isn't just a charity for those in addiction, it helps the whole family and so she, like me, would like to try and give back to the charity that helped turn our lives around."
It's not easy opening up your life to others but Bannon as a recovering alcoholic is only too happy to tell his story if it helps even just one other person. "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.
"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." said Bannon.
He added "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 it's 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. "
Addiction carries a terrible stigma but Bannon thinks it shouldn't be like that. "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 it's grip. If you abuse it, it will abuse you and take everything from you. However there is help and hope for everyone."
To him Davina’s Ark was the bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel where he received help, support and encouragement.
Summing up in one line his reason for fundraising for the amazing Newry charity Bannon said "I'm hoping to raise more money this year to say a massive thank you to them for helping to save me from myself."
You can donate to the Bannon fundraiser at www.justgiving.com
