Money man saved by going sober pays for World Cup adventure
A recovering alcoholic from Leicestershire used the money saved from quitting drinking to fund a trip to the World Cup in the US and Mexico. He describes the experience as a life-changing event that helped him celebrate his sobriety.
Why it matters
This human-interest story highlights the positive personal outcomes of overcoming addiction and provides inspiration for others struggling with substance abuse.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Sonia Kataria , East Midlands and Ady Dayman , BBC Radio Leicester Darren Thompson Darren Thompson said his highlight of the World Cup was England's 3-2 win against Mexico A man who paid to attend every England game at the World Cup using money he saved by quitting alcohol says it still feels surreal to have fulfilled his childhood dream.
Darren Thompson, from Hinckley, Leicestershire, is a recovering alcoholic who has returned to the UK after spending the past few weeks following the Three Lions around the US and Mexico.
The 53-year-old told the BBC it was an "amazing trip of a lifetime" that exceeded his expectations and he felt proud to have turned his life around.
Now he hopes his story can help to raise awareness and inspire other people struggling with alcohol addiction.
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