Kerry’s recovery journey: “Choose life, choose recovery, choose us”

For Kerry, recovery has not been a straight road. It has been a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, determination and some magical life-changing moments. After more than 27 years of accessing drug and alcohol services, she is now using her experiences to support others and raise money for children impacted by parental alcohol and other drug use.

Last Friday (31 July), Kerry completed an incredible fundraising challenge at Your Space in Royston, pushing herself both physically and mentally for a cause deeply close to her heart. The atmosphere on the day was electric, with strong community support and her children proudly by her side.

Kerry first accessed support during her first pregnancy and has faced many challenges throughout her recovery journey. “I’ve been in drug and alcohol services over 27 years since my first pregnancy,” she said. “I’ve done countless detours in services, eight stays at home, I’ve done rehab twice, 14 months in total, and after another relapse, I had another eight months of support.”

More than two years ago, Kerry walked into The Recovery Hub in Barnsley. It was not something she had planned, but it became a turning point. “I didn’t plan to go, I just arrived,” she explained. “I threw myself into all the groups, started joining in lots of different activities, and I’ve been guided and supported.”

Since then, The Recovery Hub has become a huge part of her life. Through support, groups and friendships, Kerry has grown in confidence and now uses her experiences to encourage others at the start of their own recovery journeys. “I do the same for others, new members and people coming through the door. I still sit in on Here and Now’s [group sessions] for a good old rant, I still do group activities, and I will continue to do so as long as needed.”

Kerry decided to take on her fundraising challenge to support children affected by parental alcohol and other drug use. Originally, she planned to skydive, but due to heart conditions she needed an alternative. She chose swimming, despite the physical and mental challenges it brought. “I swim at least four times a week because I’m not the strongest swimmer and I have disabilities,” she said. “I get into the water, turn on my music and remind myself why I’m there.”

The motivation behind the fundraiser is deeply personal. “Due to my children’s childhood, from birth to adulthood they’ve witnessed things no child should,” Kerry said. “Drug abuse, criminal activity, domestic violence and things no child should have to experience.”

Looking back at old photographs, she reflected: “I see misery in their faces, frowns and a lack of emotion instead of smiles of happiness and security.” While she cannot change the past, Kerry is determined to help create better futures for other children. “I can’t change the past, but I can help other children enjoy a day of security, happiness and fun by raising money for them.”

Today, Kerry speaks openly about the relationship she now has with her daughters and how far they have come together.

“My relationship with my daughters is one of value. We laugh a lot, we’re all witty and love to make fun of each other. We’re good friends who give and receive advice from one another. We don’t always agree, which can lead to some frosty discussions and the odd row, but we apologise, cry if needed and make up.

I have to remind them sometimes that I’m their mum, especially when they swear too much, which is rich coming from me, but they’re too beautiful to have my potty mouth. We borrow each other’s clothes, spend lots of time at my parents’ house and cook for each other. We’re close knit, that’s what I’m trying to say.

They deserve a good mum who can lead by example and help others. They deserve a parent they can be proud of. And I deserve to be clean and sober, not just for them but for myself and the rest of my family. I’ve caused so much chaos in 33 years of addiction, it’s about time I made a change.

I’m two years clean and sober today, and the smiles on their faces when they tell me they’re proud is priceless.”

The money raised through Kerry’s challenge will help provide positive experiences for children affected by parental alcohol and other drug use, including events, activities and safe spaces where they can feel secure, have fun and create happy memories.

For Kerry, The Recovery Hub is much more than a service. It is a place of belonging. “Home from home, I have a family there as I do at home,” she said. “Limitless rehab, except I get to go home and sleep in my own bed.”

“The Hub gives me guidance, support, mentorship, friendship and fun. I’m constantly learning, growing and becoming a version of myself that surprises me. I get challenged and challenge others in a healthy way. Good, bad and everything in between, it’s all learning. Invaluable is the word. Without this place, I would be lost to addiction or worse.”

Kerry wants anyone who is struggling to know that support is available and that taking the first step can change everything. “Ring Barnsley Recovery Steps, get an appointment at the Hub, speak to staff about group activities, come to the café and speak to us. Get a feel for it, then come and join us. We’re a good bunch to be around.”

For anyone feeling unsure about walking through the door, her message is simple: “Come in, speak to staff, speak to peers and give it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose, but too much to lose to addiction.”

Although Kerry has completed her challenge, donations are still open for anyone who would like to support her incredible achievement. Every contribution will help give children affected by alcohol and other drug use the opportunity to experience moments of happiness, safety and joy.

If you want to learn more about what happens at The Recovery Hub, follow Barnsley in Recovery on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarnsleyinRecovery