An actor who has battled with drug and alcohol addiction for most of his adult life, to escape demons from his past, has started working with a Kent charity he says saved his life.

David Easter, who became a household name for playing Gil Keane in Emmerdale, Mac Nightingale in Hollyoaks, Frank Fisher in The Bill, and Pete Callan in Family Affairs, is the new patron of the Kenward Trust, a Yalding based charity supporting those affected by addiction, homelessness and crime.

Troubles from his childhood have followed Mr Easter through his career causing him to seek comfort from the pain in drugs and alcohol.

But it wasn’t until January, when he became so unwell he tried to take his own life, he started getting the help he needed from the dedicated team at Kenward Trust.

Now thanks to the charity, he is in a much happier and healthier place and is working with them to support others who may be in desperate need like he was.

Mr Easter, 63, said: “I’m not being over dramatic but if it wasn’t for Kenward Trust, I think I would be dead.

“It’s hard for me to say that but I know it’s the truth.

“I was a functioning alcoholic and a drug addict from the age of 30.

“It’s triggered by a traumatic experience which for me was that I had a pretty bad childhood.

“It was like a horror film. I suffered sexual and physical abuse. I always tried to push it to the back of my mind but at 40-years-old I had a mental breakdown.

“At that time I was drinking incredibly heavily and also taking recreational drugs.

“It just came to a head when I was doing a pantomime in Newcastle in January.

“I did my performance but when I finished the show, I became so desperate.

“I attempted to take my own life but I was stopped. Then I made a phone call to a friend and I went to stay with him and he put me in touch with Kenward Trust.”

Mr Easter started talking to the team in January, was checked in on February 6, and after three months of rehab, he was able to start the teams Move On Project on May 1 which continues to provide his support today.

The project provides long-term assistance to those who have been through residential treatment to more permanent accommodation. The team signpost residents to voluntary or paid work and encourage further healthy behaviour alongside supporting their recovery.

Due to a significant increase in demand, the trust is looking at expanding.

“I’m now 10 months and 13 days sober. I would never have thought that would happen to me.”

Remembering the experience Mr Easter said: “When I came to the trust I had no money, nothing left except one suitcase.

“They sorted everything out for me and I just embraced it. It was very difficult but I had great support from everyone because they are the most amazing people.

“When I spoke about my past during counselling it released something and it made me feel like I could be a person who deserved to have a proper life and take my rightful place in society.

“People think rehab is full of crazy people but it’s not, it’s full of addicts who want to live.

“I’m now 10 months and 13 days sober. I would never have thought that would happen to me.”

Now making huge progress with his recovery, Mr Easter says he was delighted when the team asked him to continue supporting the charity as its new patron.

By sharing his story, he wants to give something back to the charity that saved his life and he will visit schools and businesses to talk about addiction.

He added: “I want to help people so they don’t feel the need to turn to drugs. They should know everyone deserves a second chance. Addicts blame themselves and they feel everyone blames them when actually it’s not their fault.”

For help or more information about Kenward Trust click here.

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