Former drug addict is helping the hungry in Sheffield

Mick Hanley, aged 52, lives with his wife Julie in Stocksbridge and spends his days helping others. But from the age of 13, for 25 years, Mick was a drug abuser, addicted to alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine. His future looked bleak.

By his early 20s, Mick’s life had fallen apart and for eight years he lived on the streets.

“It was a constant fight for survival,” he said. “Every day I lived in fear of attack, always watching my back, just existing from one day to the next. I lived a chaotic existence with the focus on trying to stay warm, stay fed and find somewhere safe to sleep. It was a battle just to stay alive.”

It was a drugs worker who helped turn Mick’s life around. “Without Phil I wouldn’t be here to tell my story,” he said. Back in 2008, Phil encouraged Mick who was living in hostels then, to go on a detox programme and arranged for him to spend a month in a rehab centre. He then moved on to Storth Oaks in Sheffield where he spend eight months. “There were relapses, but thanks to the support of Phil and the team there I started to see the potential for a better life.”

In 2009, while volunteering in the kitchens at The Cathedral Archer Project, Mick met assistant cook, Julie. They married in 2015 and Mick now has a loving family - four step children and four step grandchildren.

A part-time church caretaker, he also works four days each week distributing food to foodbanks from the Sheffield S6 warehouse.

He said: “It makes me so proud to be with a team of such wonderful people. I am honoured to be a part of it. I love every minute of the work I do.”

Demand for services has rocketed since the pandemic hit. Mick explained the supplies donated by Rotary4foodbanks have provided a lifeline during lockdown.

“I have experienced first-hand the real suffering which hardship and hunger can bring to individuals and families.

"I am determined, along with others in the team, to make sure that no-one in our region goes hungry this autumn and winter. I implore anyone who can, to give money and time to support our efforts.”

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