AN inspirational dad has told how he turned his life around after nearly dying from a drug overdose.

Michael Bassford turned to alcohol and prescription drugs to cope with trauma after he was the victim of an assault three years ago.

The 40-year-old’s battle with addiction eventually culminated in an accidental overdose which nearly killed him.

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After his brush with death, Michael checked himself into an 11-month rehabilitation programme run by national charity Teen Challenge UK.

Greenock Telegraph:

He got clean and now volunteers at the Haven in Kilmacolm, where he helps others to recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

Michael is planning to take on an ultra-marathon to raise money for Teen Challenge and will soon be doing a Kiltwalk in aid of the Haven.

He told the Telegraph that he wanted to give back to the organisations that had helped him overcome his struggles.

Michael said: “It started off with drink, I was full of anxiety and was finding it hard to sleep.

“I would drink spirits to help me sleep but then the next morning I’d feel even worse.

“It was vicious cycle, it got to the point where I wasn’t myself and I didn’t want to see anybody.

“I’d lost all hope.

“Two days before I joined Teen Challenge I accidentally overdosed and had to be brought back to life.

“I had stopped breathing and everything, it was scary.

“I was seconds from dying but thank God I didn’t and thank God I’m able to be here now and be a dad.

“When I’m up in the Haven the guys up there are struggling. I can tell them I know how they feel and try to help them, that’s what it’s all about.

“I’m happy I’m getting this chance to pay it back.”

While in rehab Michael decided to try to improve his fitness and began running laps around the centre’s car park.

He said: “I started running round the small car park next to the place, I wanted to change my life because I’d got into a really bad way.

“I love running because it challenges me and keeps me healthy.

“When I had the breakdown, I had bad anxiety and depression and I put on a lot of weight. I was 19-stone at one point, now I’m down to 14.

“I knew that I couldn’t continue the way that I was going.

“I got help because I wanted to get my daughter her real dad back.

“That’s down to the work that Teen Challenge have done with me.

“I knew someone who was working at the Haven and they invited me up here to help out. It’s been brilliant.

“I love it up here, I love Scotland and I love running out in the countryside."

Michael added: “I’ve done a few marathons and loads of half marathons before, but I wanted to find something that would really challenge me, which is why I chose the ultra-marathon for Teen Challenge.

“I’m doing the Kiltwalk for The Haven in June in Aberdeeen.

“The Haven have been really good to me, they’ve welcomed me in and given me somewhere like I’m one of their family.

“I work with the guys at the Haven and let them know that if I can come from a dark place of total despair then they can do it too.

“I want to inspire others to turn things around.”

Those wishing to donate to Michael’s fundraiser should visit https://bit.ly/3KY6xZZ.