Ex-addict up for top government award

Sep 19 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

A FORMER drug addict who turned his life around and now acts as an inspirational counsellor to people trying to kick the habit has been nominated for a top government award.

Gary Byrne, from Wirral, has been shortlisted for the Home Office’s Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards, which honour unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help other people off drugs. The awards are supported locally by Wirral Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Mr Byrne retrained as a counsellor after going through a strict rehabilitation pro-gramme himself.

He is credited with helping to change more than 200 lives to date thanks to his selfless attitude and innovative ways of working.

Brenda Dowding, Chief Executive of ARCH initiatives, a local drug and alcohol treatment provider, nominated him for the award.

She said: “We are delighted Gary is up for this award because his efforts in saving people’s lives deserve to be recognised.”