Chesterfield's Gary Topley: 'Drink sensibly and stay out of trouble over Christmas'

Recovering alcoholic Gary Topley spoke on the back of a campaign by Chris Henchliffe's mum to cut alcohol-fuelled violence in Chesterfield.

Gary, of Chesterfield, said: "Again it is the time of year where Christmas is just around the corner and the season where we like to eat, drink and be merry is fast approaching.

"A lot of us like to spend time with our families and friends and go out on the town to socialise and party.

"As alcohol is a predominant factor in our celebrations I would urge people to drink sensibly and stay out of trouble.

"Go out and have fun but please do not end up getting in a drunken fight and getting yourself arrested or ending up in hospital – or contribute to putting someone else there.

"Plan ahead, stay with your friends and make your night out in Chesterfield during the festive season one that is safe."

Gary has now been sober for seven years following a long battle with booze.

He was taken into care when he was two-years-old then later adopted partly because of his mother’s drink problems.

This affected him later in his life.

Gary started drinking when he was just 14 and became dependant on alcohol until his late 20s.

Now free from booze, Gary spends much of his time helping others who are battling alcoholism.

Visit Gary's Facebook page for advice and support.