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Dad who spent £150 a day on drugs found something that changed his life

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Dad who spent £150 a day on drugs found something that changed his life

Stephen Melling was at his lowest when a moment of clarity led him to try something that would put him on the road to recovery.

05:00, 11 October 2024Updated at 08:59, 11 October 2024

Stephen Melling drank three bottles of wine a day and more than £100 worth of cocaine when he was in active addiction.
Stephen Melling drank three bottles of wine a day and more than £100 worth of cocaine when he was in active addiction.(Image: Stephen Melling)

Just a few months ago, Stephen Melling was writing suicide notes to his family and children. The 45-year-old was overwhelmed by the challenges in his life and struggling to cope with addiction.

In a moment of clarity, Stephen, from West Derby but living in Tuebrook, realized he needed to take back control and make a change. He took his first step toward recovery by running a single lap in a parking lot, never having run before and not knowing that it would mark the beginning of his journey to recovery.

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The father-of-four told the ECHO: “It was the worst point in 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 pounds a day in drugs and drank three bottles of wine with ease.

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“After writing the letters, I decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air before going ahead with my suicide plans. I found myself at Broadgreen Hospital, a place I’ve spent time before. I don’t know what happened to me, but my feet took me to Broadoak, the mental health unit inside. I knocked on the door and asked for help.”

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This was not Stephen’s first attempt at taking his own life. The runner has been struggling for decades since his uncle William committed suicide when he was just nine years old.

Stephen said: “William was my role model growing up – he taught me so many things. He taught me about aeroplanes, astrology and fishing. I struggled with it all through my teenage years, and when I came of age as an adult, the loss of him and the abandonment came out in the worst ways. I started hanging out with the wrong people and started using drugs and drinking.

“Over the years, I became addicted. It pushed my mental health to the brink. I had several suicide attempts. My marriage fell apart and I was an absent parent.”

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Stephen Melling said running saved his life
Stephen Melling said running saved his life(Image: Stephen Melling)

Stephen spent a week at Broadoak before being discharged. However, he said he fell back into his addiction almost immediately as he was “unable to cope”. He continued: “I couldn’t deal with life and I didn’t have the ability to deal with life on life’s terms.

“It was very intense and there were extreme feelings. I was getting into trouble with the police. One part was saying have another drink and forget about it and the other was saying I’ve had enough and I need do something. I don’t want to live like this anymore.”

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That night, after being released from Merseyside Police custody, Stephen took off running. That moment of inspiration has turned into Recovery Runners, a support group that helps people in similar situations to Stephen. The group has since expanded to over 100 members in Liverpool and Stephen’s community shows no signs of slowing down.

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To celebrate his 45th birthday on Friday 11 October, Stephen is embarking on a 110 mile race across the country in 24 hours. The ultra endurance challenge, sponsored by Liverpool’s Good To Go Recovery Drinks, aims to raise funds for the community interest enterprise to continue its work.

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Stephen said: “Running clears my head. It takes away the anxiety and those thoughts. I’m sleeping better, I’ve lost two and a half stone. Running saved my life and I can’t put it into words.” You can do a donation to the Stephen Melling fundraiser here

Helplines and support groups

Here are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, most of which are listed on the NHS Choices website

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  • Samaritans (116 123) offers a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write how you feel, or if you are concerned about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
  • The CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading anti-suicide movement. It offers a helpline and web chat in the UK from 17:00 to 24:00 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, needs to talk or find information and support.
  • PANDAS (0808 1961 776) has a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering from perinatal mental illness, including antenatal (prenatal) and postnatal depression, as well as support for their family or network
  • Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
  • PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization that supports teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
  • Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone with a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
  • Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a bad mood, or have suicidal thoughts.
  • Bullying UK is a website for children and adults affected by bullying.
  • Amparo offers emotional and practical support to anyone affected by suicide. This includes dealing with the police and coroners; assist with media inquiries; prepare and attend an investigation and help access other appropriate local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more information.
  • Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
  • Youth Counseling Service – provides mental health and emotional wellbeing services to children, young people and families in Liverpool. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
  • Paul’s Place – offers free counseling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Phone: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
  • The Martin Gallier Project: offers face-to-face support to people who are considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 Email: [email protected]
  • James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing rapid access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/

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