Despite being “terrified” of heights, a recovered alcoholic from Sarratt is taking part a skydive next month to raise money for the charity that helped turn his life around.
Before joining the workshops and group therapy sessions offered by local charity The Living Room, 30-year-old Alex McLelland struggled to articulate his feelings. Naturally shy, Alex had suffered from bulimia for almost a decade and took to drink during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, he tried to take his own life.
Two years later, Alex has now stopped drinking and smoking.
He said: “The support offered by The Living Room has been life-changing. I had felt abandoned and let down by the NHS – when I asked for help in 2022, they said no action needed to be taken.”
After attempting suicide, Alex woke up in intensive care at Watford General Hospital. Over the coming weeks, he struggled with enormous guilt.
“I needed a safe space to explore those feelings,” said Alex. “Through The Living Room, I’ve found a ‘recovery family’ – and as they say, connection is the opposite of addiction.”
Now a peer mentor at the charity, Alex hopes to train as a councillor in the future. He is also expecting a baby with his partner and says that he is “over the moon” to become a father.
Before his child’s birth, Alex hopes to raise vital funds for The Living Room through a charity skydive scheduled for June 19, weather permitting.
He said: “Speaking openly about what I’ve been through has given me power over my feelings. It’s helped me replace shame with honesty and truth.”
To donate, please visit www.livingroomherts.org/Fundraisers/alexs-long-jump-for-big-change and to find out more about The Living Room, head to www.livingroomherts.org
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