Former binge drinker set to raise funds for Alcohol Change UK on her 1 year sober anniversary

Stephanie Trafford from Hollingworth, Longdendale is hosting a health and wellbeing party to raise vital funds to support the work that is done to reduce alcohol related harm.

Stephanie is currently preparing for the alcohol-free health and wellbeing party which will take place on Saturday 13 May at Sherefe Restaurant, Glossop from 2pm until 5pm. The event will include stalls, live music, raffle, food, motivational talks and an alcohol-free bar.

The 28-year-old is hoping to raise £500 for the charity Alcohol Change UK, who work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.

Stephanie said: “For almost ten years my relationship with alcohol had taken complete control over my life, not only was it having a detrimental effect on my mental health but also my physical too.

"My binge drinking soon began to have an effect on my family, my children, and resulted in the breakdown in relationships of the people closest to me.

"I was on a never-ending carousel ride of binge drinking, which lead to dangerous behaviours with severe consequences, which then led to horrendous periods of anxiety, depression and overwhelming feelings of regret.

"This vicious circle carried on, to the extent of me having feelings of suicide. It was only when I began reaching out to other like-minded individuals, with shared experiences, that I suddenly realised I wasn’t alone.

"Feeling like I had a non-judgmental support space, and that I was no longer alone was the absolute defining moment of me embarking on my sober journey. This is why I care so passionately about the work that Alcohol Change UK do."

Robin Plowman, Community and Challenge Events Officer at Alcohol Change, said: “Every day, 26 people die because of alcohol. But alcohol harm is not inevitable. We are Alcohol Change UK, and we work for a society free from the harm caused by alcohol. We are not anti-alcohol; we are for alcohol change.

"We are for a future in which people drink as a conscious choice, not a default; where the issues which lead to alcohol problems – like poverty, mental health issues, and homelessness – are addressed; where those of us who drink too much and our loved ones, have access to high-quality support whenever we need it, without shame or stigma.

"But we can’t do this without the support of fundraisers like Steph. Everyone at Alcohol Change UK would incredibly appreciate any support for her fundraising. We are extremely grateful for all support offered to our fundraisers”.