Help my son, Ryan, get lifesaving treatment.

My name is Deirdre Mahon. I am hoping and praying for help for my only son, Ryan Howe.

Ryan has been helping people since he was a boy (e.g. Catholic People's Week and Lourdes, both voluntarily as a helper) - in fact, he's been championing individuals and causes for most of his life.

Now he needs our help with treatment to overcome addiction and mental health struggles - which our local authority and the local NHS have failed to pay for. Patients and service users nationwide routinely struggle to access both urgent and routine care.

In 2014 Ryan overcame addiction struggles linked with depression and anxiety and became completely abstinent from alcohol and controlled substances - in itself, no small feat. He did this for his family and young children, aged 11 and 4. The result was a flourishing of creativity and professional success - not to mention a happy relationship and family life. During this time he started a design business with the express purpose of helping charities and not-for-profits which attracted much success and acclaim.

Above, Tedx Talk, 2019

Just before the pandemic, Ryan's relationship with his partner broke down and the family was split up leading to feelings of isolation and depression. With lockdown and an inability to attend fellowship meetings, addiction wasn't far behind. The subsequent years have been a battle to get help from overstretched statutory mental health services, the local authority and the NHS - all of whom, it seemed, wanted to refer Ryan away from any kind of relevant help and away from residential treatment.

Ryan has made the brave decision to go into a rehabilitation/treatment centre in the West of England for three months - and spent every last penny of his remaining savings to regain what he's lost. Unfortunately, it's not enough. Our family is almost £10,000 short.

Above, Ryan organised the Great British Bike Off Festival 2017/18 which raised funds for Oxfordshire Youth Charity.

PLEASE HELP ME RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO GIVE RYAN A CHANCE AT RECOVERY AND SURVIVAL.

Addiction is a fatal illness/disorder - as recognised by the World Health Organisation.

In 2013 Ryan lost his Aunt Susan to alcoholism. He looked after her and was with her, holding her hand as she passed away and, as a result, he subsequently needed treatment for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) which he sought and paid for with his own money after the NHS was unwilling to help. As a family, we are acutely aware of the severity of the illness and the gravity of the situation. Left untreated, we fear that we may lose Ryan too.

All funds will be used to pay for his Addiction and Rehabilitation Treatment at Broadway Lodge, Weston Super Mare (one of the country's leading rehab centres) and associated costs (travel, alternative therapies and ongoing support).

You can write to Ryan at Broadway Lodge, Totterdown Lane, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS24 9NN, he would be more than happy to reply and give you an update on his progress.

Please help with whatever you can afford. It's Ryan's hope that this money will be paid back with love and thanks.

God bless you.