In 2016, my life changed dramatically due to a very traumatic family situation. My daughter is now a heathy, 17 year young adult. But in 2011, she was diagnosed with Leukemia aged 5. After two years of chemo, she was in remission. Then in 2016, when she was 10, it returned with a vengeance. We nearly lost her. Watching her suffer was the worst thing I have ever had to deal with.
Since then I've been through a very challenging five-year period, suffering PTSD, depression, and this personal trauma, followed by a horrendous addiction to alcohol. My life was out of control. My physical and mental health were affected immensely. After a wonderful and successful career as a head chef at multiple highly regarded establishments, I found myself unable to support myself for the first time since I left school in the 80s. My credit rating was awful and my passion for food had all but disappeared. I was lost.
I have worked tirelessly for almost two years to regain my sobriety and my dignity and dare I say it, I'm well and truly on the right path. I have written a children's book, due to be self-published with the investment of close friends, which I did as a change of direction. I also volunteer twice a week, one day for a wellbeing centre on their helpline, and the other at food organisation teaching troubled adults to cook, in the hope of future employment.
I am in a situation now where I am ready to grow and be completely independent, but am unable to afford to apply for rented accommodation. I will be living alone, but I would like a place where my two children can come and stay sometimes. They are very important to me and to my journey going forward. Beam have Been Amazing to me so far and I am so thankful for their support. This could be life-changing and help me get to where I need to be, a happy and healthy Dad.
I'm not sure how to describe my feelings about launching my Beam campaign page. Maybe excited, maybe grateful of the platform, and perhaps a bit nervous. I think humbled is the right word.
Moving in to a new property - now that is where the excitement comes in. I am over the moon for the opportunity to get started on the next steps. This is a major milestone for me. Everything begins from that moment.
My aim is to one day become a successful children's author, so I can fund and continue my charity work.