Huntingdon: Ex-junkie gets national award for voluntary work

A RECOVERING heroin addict who is helping others in similar situations has picked up a national award.

Steve Woodford, of St Clements Passage, Huntingdon, was given the gong for client involvement at housing association Home Group’s customer and clients award ceremony.

The 38-year-old, pictured right, battled with a heroin addiction for 17 years and spent 10 years behind bars for drugs-related offences.

But since being released from prison in October last year, he has been determined to stay clean.

In July, he was nominated to join the national client panel for Stonham, an organisation within the Home Group which provides care and support for ex-offenders, the elderly, people with learning and physical disabilities, young mums and young people at risk.

Steve also runs a football drop-in session called Streets Revolution in Huntingdon for recovering addicts, which regularly attracts 25 players.

“I am very proud,” he said. “I have never been recognised for anything good before. I have been at Stonham since my release, and Stonham have helped me massively. They have helped me to get where I want to go and given me opportunities.”

More than 130 people from around the country were nominated for Home Group awards. Steve was nominated by project worker Joe Pickford who praised him for his positive input and enthusiasm, and said: “Steve is using his experience and knowledge in a positive way to motivate peers.”

INFORMATION: Anyone who wants to play football can drop in at Riverside Park, Hartford Road on Tuesdays can contact Steve on 07706 513911 or e-mail Streetsrevolution@gmx.com