Norwich: Matthew Project's Walk to Remember 30k steps event

Local substance misuse charity The Matthew Project has announced its first Walk to Remember, which will be held on Wednesday, March 1.  

One of those walking and the champion of the event is Carole Taylor, from Norwich, who will be walking in memory of her son Jonathon who would have been celebrating his 50th birthday on the day of the event.  

Carole said: "Jonathan was a loving son who bravely battled his demons with courage and humour, always willing to laugh at himself attempting to bring good cheer - he was a son I was proud of. 

"He was afflicted by heroin addiction, and he also used cocaine regularly.  

The event takes place on March 1 throughout Norwich (Image: The Matthew Project)

"He managed to kick the heroin habit but when he was newly out of prison, his tolerance for cocaine weakened by his recovery, he succumbed to a drug overdose. 

"The Mathew Project did help but the problem proved too long-standing and our horizons were blighted by the enormity of the drug problem in Norfolk.  

"The Matthew Project needs our help to continue their work against a backdrop of sheer enormity and complexity."

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The Matthew Project is encouraging walkers from across Norfolk to walk 30,000 steps on planned routes around Norwich, whilst raising money through sponsorship. 

CEO of the Matthew Project, Andy Sexton, added: “I am so pleased that Carole has had the vision for this walk in memory of Jonathan.  

“Her story is incredibly compelling; it is sadly not a one-off. 

“Many people struggle to overcome substance misuse. No-one chooses to become addicted.” 

For further details, head to the charity's website. People affected by any of the issues raised in Carole’s story, can email hello@matthewproject.org or call 01603 626 123.