A woman who was told she had six months to live after drinking two litres of gin daily has transformed her life and is now preparing to run a half marathon. Holly Dyson, 28, from Southport, battled alcohol dependency for six years, at one point accepting she would die from severe liver disease.
Holly's alcohol use escalated rapidly in her mid-20s. She went from drinking prosecco with family to experiencing physical withdrawals without alcohol. She would hide bottles of wine in her bag when going out, living in constant fear. In 2023, after vomiting blood, doctors warned she would die in six months if she continued drinking. Despite this, she initially felt unable to stop.
Now approaching three years alcohol-free, Holly works as a support worker for Change Grow Live, using her experience to help others with addiction. She is set to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday for Alcohol Change UK. 'I truly, wholeheartedly was going to die,' she said. 'But here I am, nearly three years later, working in addiction and running a half marathon. These are all things that I could only dream of.'
Holly lost her fitness during her drinking days, spending most of her time in bed. Regaining her fitness has been a crucial part of her recovery. She hopes her story challenges stereotypes about alcohol addiction, which she believes can be a barrier to seeking help. 'I'm not your stereotypical alcoholic. I was a young girl when I got trapped in that cycle,' she said.
