My talks encourage people to open up and have those difficult conversations

I went to Uppingham, where I was successful: in the rugby teams, on stage, a school prefect and house captain. At Manchester university I graduated with honours. I entered the city and then secured my dream job as a personal trainer in Mayfair.

Behind the scenes, I was in crisis and my drug and alcohol use were out of control. My confident demeanour hid my demons well – low self-worth, anxiety and a desperate desire to please others. To ease the pain, for over a decade I was habitually using cocaine, weed and alcohol.

I was slowly crashing and at 32, I was admitted to a rehabilitation centre. Having got the professional help I needed, I have been clean and sober for ten years. 

I have dedicated myself to understanding the challenges of growing up. My talks help pupils, parents and teachers to address sensitive issues safely and effectively. 

My style is easy to relate to, free from judging or preaching, and my talks encourage people to open up and have those difficult conversations.