If you ask me…Mark Richmond

Mark Richmond is a buddy for a volunteer centre and is a former substance misuser

Who has influenced you the most?
Jimi Hendrix and my mum.

Which professional has helped you most?
Many have helped me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What one thing would you change about care services in your area?
People’s attitude to alcoholism. Some care professionals do not understand it.

What three words best describe you?
Open, honest, musical.

What would you ban?
Chewing gum. It gets everywhere!

What is your dream date?
An evening with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne.

What is your favourite book and why?
The autobiography of the band Aerosmith. It describes how they made it big, lost it all through drink and drugs and then had a huge comeback in music.

What is your greatest achievement?
Beating my addiction to drink and drugs.

When did you have the most fun?
Moving in with my mate and having one long party until we got raided!

Who do you most admire?
Sharon Osbourne, for rescuing Ozzy’s career.

What cause would you fight for?
Anti-bullying.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a survivor.

What is the most important lesson you have learned?
It is possible to live without alcohol and illicit drugs.