Surviving and Overcoming

Conrad shares some of his life story and how he came to live in Bodmin

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👥 When I first came to Cornwall, I was employed as a gardener on a large country estate. The job came with a house within the grounds, and a live-in position suited me well. I worked there for 17 years. When the Earl who owned the estate died, all the gardeners were made redundant.

What did I do? I bought a van.

I travelled around Cornwall and eventually ended up in Bodmin, with my van serving as both my transport and my home. I already knew about St Petroc's Society because I had received support from them for many years in Exeter. They provided food, showers and clothing, although not overnight accommodation.

The first time I came to St Petroc's Church on a Thursday for Community Cuppa, I received a wonderful welcome from Revd Elaine, her daughter Amy, and the volunteers. I was invited to attend breakfast at Community Space on Friday mornings and have also been able to benefit from Bodmin Way's Community Larder.

I consider myself a survivor.

As a baby, I was abandoned in a shoebox and found by the Salvation Army. I was placed in the care of Dr Barnardo’s (known as Barnardo’s today) and, at six months old, was fostered. Throughout my childhood I moved between many foster families.

When I was seven years old, I lost my left eye in a tragic accident. A group of us were throwing knives at a tree when one bounced back and struck me in the eye. I spent a year in hospital, and from that point my education took a back seat.

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At the age of 14, I left the village where my last foster family lived and began living on the streets. Over the years I spent time in and out of prison. Then, at the age of 49, I finally recognised that I was an alcoholic and an addict.

Today, I have been sober for 14 years and I feel great. My life of crime is firmly behind me. I have ten grandchildren and I keep in regular contact with them. I now live in sheltered housing for people over 60 in Bodmin. It's like a small bedsit with a separate kitchen and bathroom, and I am grateful to have a place to call home.

Recovery remains an important part of my life. I attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three times a week in Liskeard, Bodmin and Wadebridge, and I also attend a weekly Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Bodmin.

At one stage, I received support from the counselling service We Are With You. During one session, a counsellor asked me where I saw myself in six months' time.

"I'm going to be doing your job," I replied.

And that's exactly what happened.

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Today, I run two-hour counselling sessions twice a week in Bodmin. I enjoy helping others and giving something back to the community that has supported me.

I am deeply grateful to St Petroc's Church and to Jesus. Faith plays a central role in my life. I pray to God every morning and every evening, and I regularly attend church services.

Looking back, my life has taken many difficult turns, but I am thankful for where I am today. Through faith, recovery, and the support of others, I have found hope, purpose and a place to belong.