Vickie Norris has tried to beat an alcohol addiction four times. But this time, walking, the challenge and the friendships that come with it are giving her the extra strength to kick the habit once and for all. Nine months sober! Thanks for the inspiration Vickie!

‘In June last year, addiction and mental health issues had brought my life to a crisis point. I was addicted to alcohol while caring for eight children, three of whom have autism. Over the years I had become increasingly isolated and would have bouts where I couldn’t leave the house. Life felt pointless and I would spend the majority of the time stuck on the sofa completely detached from living.

‘I was stuck in a state of survival just doing the bare minimum to get by.

‘By chance, I found an outdoor wellbeing group, which gave me the confidence to start walking. Outside, my focus shifted away from anxieties to looking forward and paying attention – to changing scenery, weather, the geology and history of where I was walking.

‘The #walk1000miles challenge gives me the incentive to keep moving even on the days I haven’t felt like it. When you say ‘just an hour a day’ it seems so much more achievable. The Facebook group has to be the friendliest out there. So many people take time to leave a comment on posts, and that makes such a difference for me. I’ve become so used to not sharing for fear of what people might say.

‘It’s changed my life. I’ve met some absolutely wonderful people, learnt so much about our local area and I love getting my boots on, getting muddy and leaving whatever feelings I might be struggling with outside after a good walk. Seeing how much fitter I’ve become makes me happy and I’ve lost three stone.

‘Waking up hangover-free, being healthier and able to spend time in our beautiful countryside is an amazing thing to experience. It’s taken me four times of trying to become sober and open enough to connect with people. Now I don’t think I’ll ever look back.’

• Vickie is fundraising for BHT Sussex.