Corrie star goes back to street(s) for UK Recovery Walk

Coronation Street's Kevin Kennedy, A.K.A Norman 'Curly' Watts, is just one of the names throwing their weight behind the UK Recovery Walk event this weekend to raise awareness about long-term recovery from alcohol and drug problems.

The former Corrie actor will be joined by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Sue Cooley to lead the way in the annual UK Recovery Walk. The event, running tomorrow (Saturday 13 September) in the city centre, is expected to include a vast number of people from across Greater Manchester.

The Lord Mayor is also expected to be joined by other high profile figures from Greater Manchester including Jim Battle, the region's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, and health boss Mark Gilman from Public Health England. The route, which is just over a mile, starts at Liverpool Road, Castlefield at 12 noon and covers the city centre before ending back at Castlefield Arena where entertainment is planned until 7pm.

The event focuses on substance use disorders and highlight the issues that people and their families face on the road to recovery after addiction to alcohol or drugs. It celebrates the achievements of individuals in recovery and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment and recovery service providers.

The UK Wide walk organised by the UK Recovery Walk Charity takes place every September in a different city each year. Following a successful bid from the Greater Manchester Recovery Federation the event was awarded to Greater Manchester .

The Lord Mayor of Manchester said: "We are delighted to welcome the Recovery Walk to Greater Manchester. I know that substance misuse is an issue that affects many of our residents and communities and understand how difficult it is for individuals and families who are suffering from substance misuse problems. The walk is an acknowledgement of the hard work that has been done in helping people recognise that there are solutions to their addiction problems and it is something that we wholeheartedly support."

Anne Marie Ward of the UK Recovery Walk Charity said: " It is the charity’s aim that through these activities, people will recognise that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming substance use disorders are significant and valuable, As you know, substance use disorders not only affect those who are suffering, but also their families, friends, and the larger community. The walk and other recovery month activities across the UK underscores how crucial it is to provide access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services."

More information can be found at www.ukrecoverywalk.org