It’s a thrill knowing Lee...

A REFORMED drug addict and alcoholic who turned his life around at the age of 21 to help Oldham’s youth has earned youngsters an exciting treat.

The Rotary Club of Oldham Metro heard the inspiring story of Lee Marsland when he was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award last year.

And they were so impressed they donated proceeds from the Saddleworth Show to help him fund a day trip to Alton Towers for 20 youngsters and helpers from the Colliers Hill Community Centre.

After conquering his addictions, Lee started Street Link in 2008 with the help of pastor Elijah Boswell from the New Life Church in Failsworth.

The charity helps the residents of Collier Hill, Limeside, Hollinwood and Failsworth and has been a huge success, seeing crime plummet with the help of the police, First Choice Homes and Oldham Council.

With the help of his wife and family, the father-of-five runs football teams, mentoring schemes, a youth club and and gets youths to help pensioners with the gardening.

There are now more than 100 young people involved with regular activity sessions.

Lee (33), from Limeside, said: “We are always up for new challenges and we like to involve young people as much as possible and help them to see that they can change their future.”

The rotary club’s president Brian Fort said: “I first came across Lee when I was judging the Pride in Oldham.

“I was so impressed by him that I invited him up to the club and from that we became involved.”