Ex-drug addict Dean goes extra mile for charity
THE support of a city drug and alcohol programme has inspired a former drug addict to raise money for its work.
Dean Sawyer will be among the runners lining up for the Express & Echo Great West 5k run on Sunday.
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Former EDP Drug and Alcohol Services user Dean Sawyer is looking forward to the Great West Run LAURENCE UNDERHILL EE270409_LU01_05
The 30-year-old former heroin and crack cocaine user, from Alphington, Exeter, hopes to raise sponsorship money for EDP Drug and Alcohol Services, a charity which works with people with drug and alcohol problems in communities and prisons across the county.
Dean first visited the charity two years ago and has never looked back.
He said: "They supported me on a one-to-one basis, through group work and had faith in me.
"This allowed me to be confident in myself and take control of my life again. I've been clean for over two years and it's great"
Dean, who first tried drugs aged 13, now has some qualifications under his belt, including drama and counselling.
"I have taken part in a play at Exeter's Northcott Theatre and I have recently started my own fundraising company called Positive Causes which already employs 10 people," he said.
"My life has completely turned around."
Dean also enjoys exercise and goes to the gym four times a week. He said: "I have learnt to take care of myself and realise how important it is to keep fit and eat healthily."
Sunday's Express & Echo Great West 5k run, which is on the same day at the city's half marathon, the Guildhall Shopping Centre Great West Run, will be Dean's first race.
He said: "I am looking forward to it and feel ready, as I have been training regularly. I hope to raise at least £50 for EDP."
Lucie Hartley, chief executive of EDP, is pleased to have 30 people taking part in the Guildhall Shopping Centre Great West Run and the Express & Echo Great West 5k for the charity. She said: "We are proud and grateful to have people running for us."
If you would like to support Dean by sponsoring him, contact Lucie at EDP on 01392 666713 or visit www.edp.org.uk.
If you would like to catch up with all the Echo's coverage of this year's Great West Run then visit www.thisisexeter.co.uk/greatwestrun.
2 Comments
by Mary, Teignmouth, Devon
Sunday, January 10 2010, 7:06PM
“Well done Dean, you must be very proud of yourself to come through. We had a smashing young lad collecting for your charity. I am not very good at remembering names, but he was a credit to you. We are pensioners and often meet much rudeness --he was a lovely lad. Good luck ! Hope you do well !”
by rachel kingdon, exeter
Thursday, April 30 2009, 10:15PM
“well done dean for turning your life around you are an example to others keep up the good work and just goes to show that not all bad beginnings have a bad ending”