A FORMER addict with severe mental health problems is now training for Bolton’s Ironman race and says that exercise has been the key to his recovery.

Sam Ormrod, aged 35, was drinking every day and would blow up to £500 a week on cocaine and alcohol until he turned his life around three years ago.

The Horwich resident said that exercise is what he wakes up for and what keeps him motivated to never give up.

Mr Ormond, who developed mental health problems as a child, was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and paranoid psychosis in 2009.

He said: “OCD and mental health problems controlled every part of my being. I needed to do something with my life quickly and I have no doubt that if I didn't I would have been dead or in a mental health unit long term.”

Mr Ormrod hit rock bottom following a stint in rehab, when he broke up with his girlfriend and his father died.

Inspired by a friend, he decided to start exercising after therapy kickstarted his recovery and he says that this was the best decision he ever made.

He said: “I started with just a mile and it was hard work but if you stick with it you will feel such a buzz and achievement at the end.”

Since then, Mr Ormrod has run two half marathons, two triathlons and is now training for next year’s Ironman UK.

On top of that, he has been drug and alcohol free for three years and fully recovered from paranoid psychosis.

This year, Mr Ormrod was shortlisted for the Bolton Active Sports Award in the Changing Lifestyle Recognition category.

He said: “It’s massive to think where I was and where I am today. It’s just good to be nominated.”

Mr Ormrod said that the awards ceremony on September 14 exposed him to a “world of inspiring people” and now he wants to help others change their lifestyle through exercise.

With the support of his wife Katy, he set up a running group for people suffering with mental health problems.

Having initially started running with his wife and a friend a month ago, the group grew to 10 members when they met last week, and Mr Ormrod wants to encourage more people to join.

He said: “We never do more than three miles and it’s for absolute beginners, no one ever gets left behind.”

From October 1, the group will meet at 6.30pm every Monday and Thursday at Horwich RMI car park.

For more information, join the Facebook group “improve mental health with running” or call Sam on 07553 811590.