From Rock Bottom to Recovery: An Inspiring Journey of Transformation
In Barrow, a remarkable story of redemption is unfolding, one that highlights the power of resilience and the human spirit. Ged Pickersgill, a former Class A drug user with a history of serial offending, has transformed his life and now dedicates his efforts to helping others battling addiction.
A Life of Addiction and Despair
Ged Pickersgill’s journey began like many others, but it took a dark turn that led him to the brink of death. Once a tax-paying, upstanding member of society, Ged’s life spiraled into a decade-long spree of petty criminality fueled by drug addiction.
The Slippery Slope
Ged’s addiction started at the age of 16 while studying nine O Levels. He became addicted to sinsemilla cannabis at the Glastonbury Festival, which led to a cascade of other dependencies. His addiction grew to include amphetamine sulphate, LSD, ecstasy, stimulants, cocaine, and eventually crack cocaine.
Irresponsibility and Financial Ruin
“I loved drugs more than my kids,” Ged recalled. His irresponsible behavior led him to run around 30 Cash Converters in London, amassing around £20,000. He was living a high life, drinking Château Neuf du Pape while reading the Financial Times. However, within eight weeks, the money was gone, and he found himself living in a skip behind Sainsbury’s.
Prison and the Cycle of Addiction
Ged’s offenses led to multiple stints in prison, including Strangeways and HMP Walton, primarily for violent assaults and petty thefts. He described prison as “the most frightening experience” of his life, noting that it was a “school for criminals” where he learned survival skills like boiling water with a television lead.
The Vicious Cycle
Upon release, Ged would often find himself back in the same predicament. “I would leave custody street homeless with £50 to my name. I didn’t get 300 yards from the gate and I was scoring crack. I didn’t even get to the train station,” he said. This cycle of prison and addiction was relentless, trapping him in a downward spiral.
Rock Bottom and the Turning Point
Ged hit rock bottom when he was seven stone, living in a crack house. He was so weak he couldn’t stand up to go to the toilet. His family had left him, and he was addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol. All hope, integrity, and dignity had vanished. “I felt all on my own and thought I was going to die,” he said.
A Lifeline
At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Seeing who it was, Ged tried to slam the door shut, but the man, who was 18 stone, dragged him out of the house and into the back of his car. He took Ged to a friend’s house, offering him a lifeline that would eventually lead to recovery.
The Path to Recovery
Ged’s journey to recovery was not easy, but it was transformative. He managed to get himself into support and began rebuilding his life. Today, he is the Director of Strategy at Warrior Down Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) in Barrow, working 13-hour shifts seven days a week to help others battling addiction.
A New Purpose
“Someone said to me in 1986, if you take heroin you’re going to die a heroin addict. I’m eternally grateful he said that because if I had, I probably would be stone dead by now,” Ged reflected. His experience has given him a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those with addiction.
Helping Others in Barrow
Through LERO, Ged and his team provide support and resources to individuals struggling with addiction. Their work is crucial in a community like Barrow, where the effects of addiction can be devastating. Ged’s story is a testament to the fact that recovery is possible, and that with the right support, anyone can turn their life around.
A Message of Hope
Ged’s journey is not just a story of personal redemption; it is a message of hope for others. His transformation from a man who was “three days from death” to a leader in the recovery community is an inspiration to all who hear it. “I wasn’t a particularly prolific offender, but I was a prolific pain in the backside,” he said with a sense of humility. “Now, I’m doing my best to make a positive impact.”
Conclusion
Ged Pickersgill’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond help. His dedication to helping others in Barrow is a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of recovery. As he continues to work tirelessly for LERO, Ged’s journey serves as an inspiration to all those who are struggling with addiction, showing them that there is always a path to redemption and a chance to start anew.
