Sam overcomes her demons to help others

Sam Bradshaw

Until five years ago Sam Bradshaw was a housewife and a mother-of-four overcoming problems in her personal life.

Now, she is a successful health worker for Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company — helping other people that society may have given up on.

Leon Kelsall (42), from Derker, met Sam four years ago while on probation. He nominated her for a Pride in Oldham Award for the help that she has given him with his health, both physical and mental.

“Sam is dead bubbly and friendly,” said Leon. “I got in to trouble and she helped me through it.

“I’ve been down and at some point wanting to kill myself. I don’t think I would have got though it without her.”

Sam (47), who lives in Failsworth with her partner, Lee, and two of their children, was happy to be nominated.

She said: “I think it’s really nice and special of Leon to nominate me. I didn’t think I was that much of an inspiration. When I met him he had no confidence, no self-esteem and he was very vulnerable. I had to build his confidence and get him in to society and lift his depression.

“Now he’s coming to the gym with other service users and helping them feel a little bit better. If he hadn’t come to me at the time, I don’t know where he would be.

“He was really poorly, now he’s a bundle of joy. He’s helping other people.”

Sam knows all too well what it is like to battle an addiction, as it is something she has struggled with in the past. She uses her experience to help those who are in a situation in which she once found herself.

She did not wish to go in to detail but added: “This gave me a chance to change their lives around because I’ve experienced what they are experiencing.

“My family are supportive and very proud. They tell me everyday how proud they are.”
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