Doncaster woman goes from rock bottom to role model for others

After an unhappy childhood and fleeing an abusive relationship, Nicola Pearson turned to prostitution to support her young children. To block out the guilt and shame, she turned to drink and soon became addicted to heroin.

She turned to crime to fund her habit and spent time in prison before losing her children into care and adoption.

But the 40-year-old has a new lease of life after taking part in Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service’s structured day programme at New Beginnings in Balby. She has bravely chosen to share her story to demonstrate to others in a similar situation that recovery is possible.

Nicola said: “Three years ago I hit rock bottom because of my addiction and the bad place I was in mentally and physically, I received a lengthy prison sentence and was branded as ‘scum’. But thanks to the amazing support I’ve received and my own determination to turn my life around, I’m able to hold my head up high today and prove it really is possible to change.”

She now wants to help others and is supporting Doncaster’s Amber Project by volunteering her time to visit working girls in hostels to share her own experiences. For support and advice contact 01302 730956.