A recovering drug addict says 2020 has been the year that’s changed his life – despite the global pandemic.
This time last year, Danny McGill was battling cocaine and alcohol addiction as well as crippling depression.
The 31-year-old tipped the scales at over 13 stone as he struggled to take care of himself while battling his inner demons.
As Scotland went into lockdown, the East Kilbride man feared the worst when it came to his physical and mental health.
But having ditched drink and drugs, Danny has shed three-and-a-half stone as part of an incredible lifestyle transformation.
Now he has decided to share his journey in the hope of inspiring others to overcome their own struggles during the pandemic.
He told the East Kilbride News: “2020 and lockdown could have been a real setback for me.
“Compared to 2019, 2020 has been amazing. I could have relapsed badly.
“I don’t like to gloat, because I know others in recovery who have found this year really hard – but it’s been the year that changed my life.”
After a long-standing battle with depression and drug abuse, alcoholic Danny was the lowest he had ever been in December last year.
An epiphany, the morning after a night out with friends, was the catalyst to him ending his destructive lifestyle.
He explained: “I woke up the next morning and felt awful.
“I said to myself ‘enough is enough’.”
In January Danny started personal training sessions with local trainer, Louise Provan, and began working out regularly at the gym.
He was clear of cocaine and well on the way to becoming tee-total.
When Scotland was put on lockdown on March 23, Danny worried for his own recovery, but he stuck with his new regime and his transformation is quite remarkable.
He said: “The gym kept me sober, it saved my life.
“Just before lockdown, I ordered weights and benches from Argos and began planning some home workouts.
“I was determined to keep going without the gym.” True to his word, Danny persevered, despite being stuck at home.
He suffered a relapse in May, but soldiered on and has been free of drink and drugs ever since.
He’s even taken up hill walking.
Danny shared a before and after photo from his weight loss journey online.
And he decided to break his silence about his troubled past in a bid to help others still enduring similar turmoil.
“I still have down days, but mostly I’m okay,” Danny added.
“2020 could have been a terrible year and it has been for a lot of people, but I’ve completely changed for the better.”
With the prospect of a second lockdown and gyms potentially closing again, Danny urges Scots who rely on the facility not to give up.
He said: “I can see how the thought of gyms closing again could be scary.
“But don’t give up, and don’t punish yourself either.
“Download apps on your phone or speak to a personal trainer about home workouts.
“It can be done.”
