Mark and Liam have been friends since the age of 11. They went to school together and neither would of predicted what would follow in later years.

The two lads struggled with life, developed addictions and tried to maintain ‘doing ok’.

Later in life consequences came and their lives fell apart.

They each had to rebuild their life but have been able to use that experience in their work and to help others.

In this talk they share their story.

They would never have thought they would be speaking as part of a TEDx event and are very much unscripted. Mark is Bolton born and bred and loves his home town.

He's best mates and addicts in recovery with Liam McBride.

Mark & Liam met over 20 years ago at school where they remained close friends, and where, despite having plenty of love and opportunity around them, they were each exposed to things that would lead to addictions.

Liam is Bolton born and bred and loves his home town.

He's best mates and addicts in recovery with Mark Murray.

Years after leaving school, despite appearing to make headway in their adult lives and developing successful careers for ourselves, they had each reached a familiar point in an addicts’ journey: where the physical, mental and emotional impacts of their addictions were too extreme for anyone to tolerate – including their Families, Friends and Workplaces.

He had to fight to rebuild his life, live in recovery and use his experience to benefit others. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx