A BRAVE Greenock man who has overcome decades of addiction is going the extra mile to help other men win the toughest fight of their lives.

Brian Seatter-Wilson, 43, battled with gambling and alcohol addiction for almost 30 years before becoming hooked on heroin for three years.

In September 2020, Brian walked through the doors of The Haven in Kilmacolm and he hasn't smoked, drank, gambled or used drugs since.

Now he is aiming to help other men in their fight against addiction.

Brian is taking on the Great Scottish Run on October 2 to raise funds to buy equipment for a new staff and residents gym on the site.

He believes health and fitness play huge part in the recovery journey.

Brian said: "They're so important for self respect and self worth.

"In my time here, my physical and mental health have improved dramatically.

"It's vital for us to provide this facility for all future residents who come through The Haven.

"Taking on the 10k run is my way of raising the money needed to buy the equipment.

"The gym will contribute to the transformation of hundreds of men's lives for years to come."

Equipment at the new gym will include a weight machine, treadmill, exercise bike, benches, free weights and a dumbbell rack.

Brian has been training at the Waterfront Leisure Centre in preparation for the big event.

He added: "Running is very therapeutic.

"It helps your metabolism and helps to get you back on track and keep a good positive mindset."

Brian was addicted to gambling and alcohol for 27 years before he turned to drugs.

He said: "I couldn't cope with the consequences of my addiction, a failed business, homelessness and isolation.

"I had become separate from my family and hadn't seen my daughter for four years.

"I was selling the Big Issue on the streets of Perth when a friend put me in touch with the team here and I knew I had to do something."

Brian asked the team at The Haven for help in September 2020 and after going through their programme, he started in a role as a project worker at the facility in April this year.

He has his own flat in Greenock and says he's been made to feel very welcome in Inverclyde.

Brian says he now feels 'privileged' to be part of helping other men overcome addiction.

He added: "I had repeatedly tried to turn my life around but I couldn't do it.

"My Christian faith was established here and I've learned how to live for other people.

"When I was using drink and drugs I was living very selfishly.

"My relationships with my family have been restored and I feel content and happy.

"The Haven is helping mothers get their sons back and children get their fathers back, and men are becoming productive members of society again."

To donate to Brian's appeal visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-haven