Former addict Gary receives presitigous award from PM Boris Johnson

Gary Rutherford has been named a recipient of a ‘Points of Light’ award for his work with ARC Fitness, an addiction recovery service that he founded in 2019.

The non-profit organisation aims to give individuals who are recovering from substance misuse disorders, the opportunity to focus on improving their mental and physical wellbeing. This is done through physical activity, professional support, and re-connection with community.

Gary said: “I honestly feel honoured to have been chosen to receive this award.

“It was a very welcome surprise when the email landed in my inbox and I just want to thank the Prime Minister for recognising the work of ARC and all we are aiming to achieve across the North West.

“I myself struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for years, I’m now over eight years sober and exercise was a huge part of my recovery process. That is what led me to start ARC Fitness.

“I wanted to not only empower people and let them know that recovery is possible but as an organisation, we wanted to challenge the conversation that surrounds addiction and in doing so, remove the stigma, shame, discrimination, and blame that often stops someone from seeking support.

“It’s awards such as this one that will help to raise awareness of ARC Fitness and in turn, will enable us to reach and help more people, which at the end of the day is our main goal.”

Gary added his decision to become a mental health nurse was inspired by his own experiences.

“When you reach the point of mental distress and you have an understanding of it, you know you want to help others get out of it. My experience has taught me so much and I became so capable through it.”

After qualifying, Gary worked in Gransha Hospital in both inpatient and crisis services.

‘Points of light’ was first brought to the UK in 2014 after being established in American by President George H. W. Bush in 1990.

UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and since then hundreds of people have been named Points of Light by the Prime Minister.

The purpose of ARC Fitness is to support individuals who have chosen to abstain from substances using physical activity and community support to work towards long-term recovery.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor