'I was spending £150 per day on drugs until I tried something that changed my life'

Stephen Melling was at his lowest ebb when he had a sudden moment of clarity

Just month ago, 45-year-old Stephen Melling was penning suicide notes to his loved ones as he struggled with addiction and felt overwhelmed by the challenges of life. Stephen, from West Derby in Merseyside but living in Tuebrook, was at his lowest ebb when he had a sudden moment of realisation that he had to reclaim his life and instigate change.

Stephen ran a single lap around a car park, having never run before and without knowing it would be the first stride in his journey towards recovery. Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, the father-of-four said: "It was the worst point of my life.

"My mental health was at an all-time low. I was addicted to cocaine and alcohol. At my worst, I was spending £150 on drugs a day and was drinking three bottles of wine, easily.

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"After I wrote the letters, I decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air before following through with my suicide plans. I found myself by Broadgreen Hospital, a place where I've spent time before. I don't know what came over me, but my feet just took me to Broadoak, the mental health unit inside. I knocked on the door and asked for help."

Stephen's battle with suicidal thoughts wasn't new; he has been struggling ever since his uncle William took his own life when Stephen was only nine years old. He said: "William was my role model growing up - he taught me a lot of things.

"He taught me about aeroplanes, astrology, and fishing. I struggled with this all through my teenage years, and when I got into adulthood, the loss of him and the abandonment came out in the worst ways. Unhealthy ways.

"I started associating with the wrong people and I started using drugs and drinking. Over the years, I got addicted to it. It lead to my mental health being in the gutter. I had a number of suicide attempts. My marriage broke down, and I was an absent father."

After spending a week at Broadoak, Stephen was discharged. However, he confessed that he quickly fell back into his addiction as he wasn't "able to cope".

He added: "I couldn't deal or had the ability to deal with life on life's terms. It was so intense and there were extreme feelings. I was getting myself in trouble with the police.

"One side was saying to have another drink and forget about it and another was saying I've had enough and needed to do something. I didn't want to live like this anymore." For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here

Following his release from Merseyside Police custody, Stephen began running. This spark of inspiration has since evolved into Recovery Runners, a support group assisting individuals facing similar struggles to Stephen. The group has grown to over 100 members across Liverpool, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Celebrating his 45th birthday on Friday, October 11, Stephen will take on an extraordinary 110-mile run within just 24 hours. This gruelling feat, supported by Liverpool's Good To Go Recovery Drinks, is intended to drum up vital funds for the community interest company, aiding in the continuation of its invaluable initiatives.

Reflecting on the personal benefits of this intense sport, Stephen shared: "It clears my head running. It gets rid of my anxiety and those thoughts. I'm sleeping better, I lost two and a half stone. Running saved my life, and I can't put it into words."

Contributions to this cause can be made through Stephen Melling's fundraising page.

Where you can get support for your mental health in Wales

Mind Cymru - mental health charity working across Wales to support people in their communities. Call the infoline on 0300 123 33 93 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm for information on mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options, advocacy services. Mind can also be contacted by email: info@mind.org.uk

Beat Cymru - leading eating disorder charity offering support and guidance for people worried about their own or someone else's health, support available 365 days a year on the Welsh helpline 0808 801 0433 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Community Advice & Listening Line (CALL) - Mental health helpline for people in Wales which offers emotional support and information for anyone concerned about their own mental health or a friend/family member's mental health. Call 0800 13 27 37 or text 'help' to 81066

Samaritans - For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123

All information correct at time of publication - if you'd like a Mental Health service to be added, or amended, on this list email WalesOnline reporter Molly Dowrick: molly.dowrick@walesonline.co.uk